The Texas Titans and the Arlington Aviators held tryouts on Saturday, July 18, helping to set the roster for the coming season.  Both teams are new to semi-pro football, but are led by veterans of the sport.

A hardcore group of players joined James Hodge at Webb Elementary School in Arlington, TX, early Saturday morning about 8 a. m.  The group were members who had been participating in work outs this summer.  Although the numbers were low, Hodge has an early start on putting his new team together for the 2010 season.

The players ran plays with the coach, getting a feel for the type of system he is looking to put in place.  The Titans hope to have a few more tryouts to continue setting the roster.  Hodge has three leagues to decide among for a home next year.  Aside from the TUFL, Hodge has been contacted by the Minor Professional Football League and the Gulf Coast Football Association.

Zach Krimm hauls in a pass during drills while Coach Brandon Fisher watches

In Grand Prairie, the Arlington Aviators got in some work with future players in their open tryouts.  Among the players available was Greg Stevenson, Zach Krimm, Vincent Campbell, Jr., and Carl Francis.

Stevenson is a former player for the North Texas Crunch.  The quarterback was a recurring extra on Spike TV’s 4th and Long hosted by Michael Irvin.  Campbell was a safety at Dallas’ Carter High School where he graduated in 2007, and Francis played football from 2000-2004 for the University of Houston as a linebacker and fullback.  Francis is returning to football after not playing for several years, and he is a Hip Hop, Reggae and R & B artist.

Joining these players was Dominick Ezell, head coach Mark Ezell’s son.  Dominick is a quarterback at Ranchview High School where he will be a Freshman this fall.

Helping out coach Ezell at the tryouts were Brandon Fisher, Aviators receivers and special teams coach, and Roderic Boatman, the offensive coordinator for the North Texas Crunch.

Picture Gallery

“I got into the business on the account that my career was almost over but the passion hadn’t died,” said Hodge by email who’s team hopes to compete in the TUFL. “I wanted to bring a new level of competition to semi-pro [football].”

Hodge already has about 20 players along with a Defensive Coordinator, an Offensive Lineman and  Defensive Back coach to go along with a Strength and Conditioning coach.  The players have been involved in summer work-outs including a two-a-day type on July 4th.  The team practices at Webb Elementary in Arlington, and Hodge said, hopes to play games at Sam Houston High School.

For players interested in trying out for the Titans, the first team try-outs are fast approaching.  The team will conduct those first try-outs at River Legacy Park in Arlington on July 18 beginning at 8 a.m.  Hodge said that subsequent try-outs would be held in September and October.

The team has also teamed up with the UTA Mavericks Club football team for scrimmages at the end of August.  The two team may also combine to conduct a combine.

Hodge has appointed a coordinator for a dance team, and he hopes to have try-outs for the dance team in early September.  The dance team will be led by Rosemary Parker.

The team will need dance team members, coaches and players, and anyone interested can give Hodge a call at 214-718-4788.  Those interested can also visit their website at www.leaguelineup.com/ttfootball.

Q&A with Kimpell

James and Kimpell Richardson

Owner
Kimpell Richardson

GM/HeadCoach
James Richardson

Coach(es)
Positions open

Background of both, previous experience
The GM/Head Coaches experience and background are… Played organized football since the age of 6 in the state of CA. He also played college ball and semi-pro. He has over 10 years of coaching experience dealing with football (youth/semi-pro, 7yrs head coaching).

The most recent was with the Grand Prairie Titans during this season in which they folded. The season prior to this one I was a defensive coach for the Lone Star Pitbulls.

Why did you decide to jump in to this business?
I decided to jump into this business because I noticed there were too many unorganized teams out there and the players were the ones on the bad end of the deal. I would really love for teenagers coming out of school to really be able to be given a chance at college, as well as other players that may have  never made it to college. There are also others that would love to play, but may not have been able to showcase their skills nor heart/love for the game of football.

Where will you play?
To be determined

Where will you practice?
To be determined

What kind of positions do you have open, need filled?
Being a new team, all positions are open and need filling including positions for the team dancer team.

When are first tryouts?
Try-outs will be for 6-days, which will began October 3-4  second try-outs will be October 10-11 and third try-out will be  October 17-18.

Do you already have players that are going to play for you?
I do have about 7, possibly 8 players from another team that folded last year that will be coming with the head coach of my team. Not sure about the rest of the team because they went into the NMLF draft and went to other teams.

Will you have a dance team?
I would LOVE to have dancers!!

If yes, when will those tryouts be?
Try-out for Dances will be posted as soon as a Director is found

What league will you play in?
National Minor League Football

Do you already have a pic of coach or logo for the team?
I do have a picture of my head coach, no other coaches at this time, as for a team logo that is still in the making along with a new website.

Website and contact info for those interested in trying out, etc? www.arlingtonbulldogs.org

How do you want potential players, dancers to contact you?
Potential players can contact the GM (Coach James) @ 817-454-6912 or email him at coachjames@arlingtonbulldogs.org and dancers can contact Owner (Kimpell) @ 817-891-8659 or email her at kimpell@arlingtonbulldogs.org