The Texas Revolution of the IFL are getting started on Thursday February 21, 2013 when they have an exhibition game against the North Texas Crunch at the Allen Event Center.
As we edge closer to March 1st, Head Coach Billy Back has a lot of talent to look at in order to make decisions on moving forward for the Revolution team personnel. As of right now Back is about 10 players over the roster limit. The up-coming preseason game will seal a lot of player’s fate, as the squad will go down to the official 25 just hours after the game - 21 active four on the practice squad.
The Coaching staff of this team is very experienced at winning. Back has won their respective league championship three season in a row while with the Cincinnati Commandos. One while a member of the CIFL (2010), and two as members of the UIFL (2011 and 2012).
The Revolution’s ownership has put their trust in Coach Back. Vice President of Operations Charlie Hildbold said of the Revolution head coach...
"We are supremely confident in Coach Back’s ability to build a championship team, and we are looking forward to seeing the fruits of all his labor, with all the scouting over the past three to four months. We are ready to get his squad on the field, and start proving to the rest of the league that we are a championship squad."
As far as position players go, there was going to be a battle at the QB position. The Revolution were going to have a QB competition between Allen High School Alumnus Nathan Dick's and IFL veteran Marcus Jackson. The experience is really on Jackson's side, as he was a member of the Wichita Wild, who are now a members of the newly developed league- the CPIFL. He lead the Wild to a victory against the then Allen Wranglers in the 2012 Divisional Playoffs. He can also run the ball, and play WR as well. Dick on the other hand is starting the season out on the injured list. The backup quarterback is going to be Kewann Dewberry.
Returning Veterans
The Revolution have some returning vets as well.
DB Frankie Solomon Jr., who had a monster season defensively as well as special teams kick returns made him a valuable commodity, and a “no brainer” to bring to the new team. Last seaosn Solomon was ranked fourth in the league defensively with 115 tackles as well as seven interceptions.
Also returning is Romance Taylor, who had five kickoff returns for touchdown in a six game stretch. He is also a great hands man, as he averaged 14.1 yards a catch, and scored six offensive touchdowns for the Wranglers of 2012 in only nine games. He is also capable of running the ball at the RB position as well. Taylor will not be in uniform for tonight's match-up, for undisclosed reasons.
Also returning to Allen is DB Brett Bowers out of the University of Oklahoma. He played for the 2011 Allen Wranglers, and has been participating in the USA American Eagles team for the 2012 season.
Some other returning faces from the Wranglers days are…
- Jeremy Brown WR out of Texas A&M University
- Brian Ellis DL out of the University of Texas
- Anquanius Frazier DB out of East Texas Baptist University
- Prince Hickman DL out of Arkansas State University
The are also some new faces on the team as well.
Local product Brett Peddicord will handle the kicking duties. He is a graduate of of Allen High school, who spent his college days at Georgia Southern and his senior season at East Texas Baptist.
The Revolution's new G.M.
We also can not forget the GM. Tim Brown, former Heisman Trophy Winner, and NFL WR for the Oakland Raiders. He adds NFL experience to the this team, and has said he is there for any player to pick his brain if they want his assistance.
Coach Back stated to his players...
If Tim (Brown) tells you to run a 12 yards on a play that is set for a ten yard pattern, his word trumps anything I have said, after all he is a future Hall of Famer
A guy like Brown, and his contribution to the Revolution adds the legitimacy of the IFL. A valued commodity that makes sure he is around for the players to see, and always makes time for players to pick his brain.
The Revolution play tonight in a pre-season match up against the APFL's North Texas Crunch at the Allen Event Center at 7pm CST. Tickets to this game are $1 for general admission seating. Tickets are going fast!
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