Post by Banana Cat on Apr 11, 2012 0:41:04 GMT -5
www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/04/alabama_hammers_defensive_back.html
Alabama Hammers: Defensive backs doing their part
April 10, 2012
Reggie Benson, The Huntsville Times
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - The Alabama Hammers' secondary, which was a problem much of last season, has held its own through the first three games this season.
Despite losing starter Ray Little early on in the second game of the season, the Hammers have recorded six interceptions, including two for touchdowns in the first three games.
"We're getting better," secondary coach Andre Goines said Monday afternoon as Alabama began preparations for Saturday's game at Richmond. "I like where we are, but there's room for improvement."
Al Donaldson and Tremaine Townsend have been mainstays, while newcomer Derek Patterson, who joined the team two weeks ago and started in a 63-60 win over Columbus, has all-star potential. Former Tennessee Valley Viper David Knott joined the team two weeks ago as well and played some in the win over the Lions.
"I like his tenacity," Goines said when asked about Patterson. "He likes to compete, has good speed and quickness and has tremendous confidence. He's starting at corner, but he can play the middle and that's a plus."
Patterson, a four-year indoor/arena football league veteran, joined the Hammers after being released by the Albany Panthers.
"I'm enjoying myself," said Patterson, who had four tackles in the win over Columbus. "I was on the couch with nothing to do when they called me."
Nelson playing better
Quarterback Arvell Nelson, who struggled mightily in the Hammers' 56-43 loss to Columbus on March 24, bounced back a week later in a big way against the Lions.
Nelson, who was just 10-of-18 for 166 yards and two touchdowns and five turnovers in the first meeting, accounted for seven touchdowns in the Hammers' 63-60 win just over a week ago.
The former Texas Southern star was 16-of-33 for 247 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 61 yards on 10 carries and three more touchdowns.
"The key was seeing them two weeks in a row. That helped a lot," Nelson said. "Also, getting all the reps helped, too. The game slowed down. I saw their tendencies."
Nelson got all the reps because the Hammers cut backup quarterback Chris Mayabb after the first Columbus game. Mayabb was 4-of-12 for 68 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Lions.
"I didn't think he could do what we needed him to do," Hammers coach Marty Hammond said when asked about Mayabb.
While Nelson is far from what Hammond wants him to be, he says he's getting better.
"Arvell did a better job of taking care of the ball," he said. "We didn't have any interceptions and he only threw one ball that could have been intercepted and that was on a fourth-down play. Another big thing is he made some big plays with his legs."
Scouting Richmond
Hammond said Richmond has been impressive in the early going.
The Raiders are 3-1, but two of those wins have come against the Knoxville Nighthawks, an expansion team.
Quarterback Antwon Young has been one of the best players in the league thus far. He has accounted for almost 900 yards in total offense and 22 touchdowns. Young has thrown for 753 yards and 17 touchdowns, while rushing for 122 yards and five scores.
"Richmond is a physical bunch," Hammond said. "Young is very athletic. He's made a lot of plays with his feet. They're the best team we've played so far."
April 10, 2012
Reggie Benson, The Huntsville Times
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - The Alabama Hammers' secondary, which was a problem much of last season, has held its own through the first three games this season.
Despite losing starter Ray Little early on in the second game of the season, the Hammers have recorded six interceptions, including two for touchdowns in the first three games.
"We're getting better," secondary coach Andre Goines said Monday afternoon as Alabama began preparations for Saturday's game at Richmond. "I like where we are, but there's room for improvement."
Al Donaldson and Tremaine Townsend have been mainstays, while newcomer Derek Patterson, who joined the team two weeks ago and started in a 63-60 win over Columbus, has all-star potential. Former Tennessee Valley Viper David Knott joined the team two weeks ago as well and played some in the win over the Lions.
"I like his tenacity," Goines said when asked about Patterson. "He likes to compete, has good speed and quickness and has tremendous confidence. He's starting at corner, but he can play the middle and that's a plus."
Patterson, a four-year indoor/arena football league veteran, joined the Hammers after being released by the Albany Panthers.
"I'm enjoying myself," said Patterson, who had four tackles in the win over Columbus. "I was on the couch with nothing to do when they called me."
Nelson playing better
Quarterback Arvell Nelson, who struggled mightily in the Hammers' 56-43 loss to Columbus on March 24, bounced back a week later in a big way against the Lions.
Nelson, who was just 10-of-18 for 166 yards and two touchdowns and five turnovers in the first meeting, accounted for seven touchdowns in the Hammers' 63-60 win just over a week ago.
The former Texas Southern star was 16-of-33 for 247 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 61 yards on 10 carries and three more touchdowns.
"The key was seeing them two weeks in a row. That helped a lot," Nelson said. "Also, getting all the reps helped, too. The game slowed down. I saw their tendencies."
Nelson got all the reps because the Hammers cut backup quarterback Chris Mayabb after the first Columbus game. Mayabb was 4-of-12 for 68 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Lions.
"I didn't think he could do what we needed him to do," Hammers coach Marty Hammond said when asked about Mayabb.
While Nelson is far from what Hammond wants him to be, he says he's getting better.
"Arvell did a better job of taking care of the ball," he said. "We didn't have any interceptions and he only threw one ball that could have been intercepted and that was on a fourth-down play. Another big thing is he made some big plays with his legs."
Scouting Richmond
Hammond said Richmond has been impressive in the early going.
The Raiders are 3-1, but two of those wins have come against the Knoxville Nighthawks, an expansion team.
Quarterback Antwon Young has been one of the best players in the league thus far. He has accounted for almost 900 yards in total offense and 22 touchdowns. Young has thrown for 753 yards and 17 touchdowns, while rushing for 122 yards and five scores.
"Richmond is a physical bunch," Hammond said. "Young is very athletic. He's made a lot of plays with his feet. They're the best team we've played so far."