March 27,2017
(Photo Credit: Cleveland Gladiators)
Defensive additions have Gladiators poised for run in 2017
The Cleveland Gladiators had arguably the most magical run in the history of the Arena Football League two seasons ago when they went from doormats to the penthouse, a 17-1 season capped off with a trip to the ArenaBowl. The Gladiators came up a game short of their goals that year by losing to Arizona, and the 2016 season ended up being a little more disappointing at just 7-9.
With 2015 Assistant Coach of the Year Ron Selesky now in charge of the roster, a huge overhaul, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, has Cleveland back in the saddle as a legitimate contender to perhaps host the ArenaBowl for the second time in the last three seasons.
Who's In?
For as talented as his defense was a season ago, Selesky knew that he needed to add some experience to his young guys. Darryl Cato-Bishop, Arness Ikner, Alvin Ray Jackson, Rayshaun Kizer, Willie McGinnis, Terence Moore and Kent Richardson are all players with at least three years of AFL experience, and they are expected to step in and bring some of the confidence that only comes from having actual game reps. Kizer was the best of the haul even though his interception numbers have tapered off in recent years. He is still largely regarded as one of the top cover men in the League.
Brandon Thompkins, arguably one of the most valuable wide receivers and kick returners from last season, has also changed addresses, joining McGinnis, Moore, Richardson, C.J. Cobb and Larry Brackins in their moves from Orlando to Cleveland.
Who's Out?
One of the top rookie defenders from a season ago, Joe Powell is now in the NFL with the Bills. It's a big loss for the Gladiators, as Powell picked off five passes last year and returned three of them for scores, but with all of the veterans who are coming to Cleveland, Powell probably won't feel missed.
A potentially sticky situation is brewing at the quarterback spot should anything happen to Arvell Nelson. Nelson started the season as the backup quarterback last year, first to Chris Dieker, then to Dennis Havrilla, but he took over in May and threw for 70 TDs with 11 more on the ground. Should anything happen to Nelson, Dieker and Havrilla are both gone. Veteran Shane Boyd was brought in to be the team's backup after serving behind Nick Davila in Arizona, while Tanner Marsh will also have a chance to compete for the backup role.
Who's Back?
Quentin Sims busted onto the scene last year for the Gladiators. He proved to be great around the end zone, scoring TDs on 27 of his 92 receptions. Collin Taylor finished seventh in the League last season with 1,437 yards, and the combination of these two with Brackins and Thompkins could make this one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the AFL.
They Said It
"If you look at track records of the players that we brought in and you look at the track records of the coaches that I've got on my staff, I'll just say I feel really good about the situation we're in." – Gladiators head coach Ron Selesky
Key Stat
23 – The number of sacks the Gladiators conceded last year, the most in the AFL. This came on the heels of a 2015 season in which Cleveland sported one of the best offensive lines in the League. Bringing back Cobb after a one-year diversion in Orlando should help matters, but the real question is whether Nelson is going to protect himself. When the Gladiators were at their best in 2015, Shane Austin got rid of the ball in a hurry and hung in the pocket when needed. Nelson tends to hold onto the ball to make the big play, and that play is often made with his legs. In the AFL, that generally leads to somewhat suspect-looking offensive line play even if the protection has done its job.
2017 Cleveland Gladiators Schedule
Sat, April 8: vs. Tampa Bay
Sat, April 15: vs. Baltimore
Sat, April 22: at Tampa Bay (CBSSN)
Fri, April 28: vs. Washington
Fri, May 5: vs. Philadelphia
Sat, May 20: at Philadelphia (CBSSN)
Sat, May 27: at Baltimore (CBSSN)
Sat, June 3: at Washington (CBSSN)
Sat, June 10: at Philadelphia
Fri, June 16: vs. Baltimore
Sat, June 24: vs. Philadelphia (CBSSN)
Sat, July 8: vs. Tampa Bay
Sat, July 22: at Tampa Bay (CBSSN)
Sat, July 29: at Washington (CBSSN)
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