The sixth team added to the World League of American Football is the
Sacramento Surge. The team is based at Sacramento City College and will play its home games at
Hughes Stadium. The only coach signed on in the World League with NFL Head Coaching experience is
Kay Stephenson who will direct the Surge. In three seasons he was 10-26 with Buffalo. Leading the defense will be
Jim Haslett who coached defense for the University of Buffalo for two years and played eight seasons at linebacker in the NFL.
Bill Goldberg comes to the World League as a free agent to play nose tackle for Sacramento. He was a draft selection by the Falcons in 1990. Bill was a 2 year starter at defensive tackle at the University of Georgia. He has two career college interceptions from his interior line position. Goldberg aspires to headline in profesional wrasslin'.
Mike Sinclair is an athletic left defensive end who will start for the Surge. Mike was a draft pick by the Seahawks 1991. While playing at Eastern New Mexico University he earned all Lonestar Conference honors as a senior and a junior. Sinclair was a 4 year letterman in college recording 16 sacks as a senior. He began his career as a starting linebacker at ENMU.
Mike Jones joins the World League as a free agent signee and is allocated to the Surge. On opening day he will start at the left outside linebacker position. Jones was signed as a rookie free agent with the Raiders in 1991. It was with the Raiders that he first practiced at linebacker. At the University of Missouri, Michael was a running back all four seasons and he set a school record for the most rushing yards in a quarter with 104. He graduated as the all time receiving leader for running backs at the school with 72 career receptions. In his college career he played in 43 games, rushing for 1390 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. +++he was the guy who later made that famous tackle ending Super Bowl 34+++
Pete Najarian puts off his application for med school for another spring as he signs with the Sacramento Surge to start at middle linebacker. "Dr. Death" began his pro career as a free agent in 1986 with the Seahawks. Later in the season he signed with his hometown Vikings. He spent the 1988 season with the Buccaneers and the Argonauts. While playing linebacker at the University of Minnesota and studying premed he was named to the all Big 10 team for three straight seasons, sophomore, junior, and senior.
Greg Coauette **pronounced co-ETT** is a draft selection by the Sacramento Surge to start at strong safety. He first signed in 1989 as a rookie free agent with the Rams. At the University of Southern California, Greg was a second team all Pac 10 pick playing safety as a senior. He was the starting weak side linebacker as a sophomore on opening day and went down for the season with a broken ankle. He was named the captain of the Trojans special teams unit as a freshman.
Mike Adams is a free agent who signed with the Sacramento Surge to start at cornerback. Mike was first drafted by the Saints in 1987 and started 3 games as a rookie. In 1989 he signed a free agent deal with the Cardinals. He started at cornerback in his senior season at Arkansas State. He transferred from Mississippi Delta Junior College where he had a 90 yard kick return for six.
Shawn Knight was the very first player signed by the Sacramento Surge and he will start at right defensive end. He was a 1st round draft pick in 1987 by the Saints and earned all rookie honors. He was traded to the Broncos in 1988 and played at the nose tackle position. He signed in 1989 with the Cardinals and finished the season on IR with a dislocated shoulder. Knight last played in 1990 with the Vikings. At Brigham Young University he was a two year starter earning all WAC honors as a senior. He played most of his junior season with a broken arm. He played in reserve roles as a sophomore when the Cougars won the 1984 National Championship.
Saute Sapolu is a draft pick by the Surge and will rotate in on the defensive line and will lead the special teams unit. He first was a free agent with the Eagles in 1989. At Arizona State he was a 4 year letter winner and started 8 games as a senior. Saute was a special teams star during his college career. He is the little brother of Jesse Sapolu from the 49ers.
John Buddenberg was drafted by Sacramento to start at the left guard position. He first was a draft pick by the Browns in 1990 and spent 1991 with the Vikings and the Steelers. John played his college ball at the University of Akron where he was a 3 year starter playing tackle, center, and guard.
"Big" Nate Hill comes to the Sacramento Surge to join Goldberg and Sapolu in the interior line rotation. This monster of a football player was first drafted in 1988 by the Packers. He played his rookie games with the Dolphins before being signed by the Redskins in 1989. In 1990 he signed with the Chargers as a free agent. At the University of Auburn he was named to the all SEC team as a senior. He was a three starter on the defensive line for the Tigers.
Richard Stephens is the biggest player on the Surge roster, coming in at 6'7" and 335 pounds to start at left tackle. He was a draft choice in 1989 by the Bengals. At the University of Tulsa he started at tackle in his senior season while starting at nose tackle as a junior. He played a reserve role as a guard during his sophomore season.
Robert McWright was selected in the defensive back positional draft by Sacramento and will start opposite of Adams at cornerback on opening day. Robert was first drafted by the Jets in 1990. Playing cornerback at Texas Christian University he had 5 interceptions as a senior. He spent his junior season with the Horned Frogs in a reserve role. McWright transferred from Ranger Community College in Texas after his sophomore season where he was an all conference selection.
Eddie Brown signs as a free agent with Sacramento to be the starting split end. Brown was a rookie free agent in 1990 with the Stampeders, playing in 10 games and registering 23 receptions. In 1991 he signed with the Rough Riders and played in 11 games snaring 21 receptions. "Downtown" Eddie Brown played his college ball Iowa State scoring 2 touchdowns off of 18 receptions as a senior. He missed his junior year with injury and had 9 receptions in spot duty as a sophomore. At ISU he was college teammates with Frankfurt's Alex Espinoza and Birmingham's Joe Henderson.
Mel Farr Jr. was selected by the Surge staff to be the starting tight end on opening day. Farr is the son of NFL running back Mel Farr and the older brother of NFL wide receiver Mike Farr. He started his own pro career when he was a draft pick by the Broncos in 1988 as a fullback and played in 1989 with the Rams. At UCLA he was a 2 year starter at fullback and returned kicks.
Mike Pringle comes to the World League as a free agent joining the Surge during training camp. The running back was first drafted by the Falcons in 1990 but signed as a rookie free agent with the Eskimos. At Cal State-Fullerton he was the starter in his senior season and ripped off 1727 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He shares the NCAA record for single yards in a game with 357 and set a school record for all-purpose yardage with 496 yards in a single game. He scored 3 touchdowns in limited action during his junior season. Pringle transferred from Washington State where he played in 9 games and had 75 rushing yards on 26 carries for a touchdown in two seasons.
Doug DuBose is an enigma in the World League coming to Sacramento to play running back. Mr. DuBose has had some unfortunate setbacks during his football career that leave many involved with football wondering if he is serious about the game. He was a rookie free agent with the 49ers in 1987 and in two seasons he played in 16 NFL games rushing for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 1988 he returned 32 kicks for 608 yards. At the University of Nebraska he started at half back as a senior and a junior, rushing for 1161 yards as a senior and 1040 yards as a junior. He scored 16 college rushing touchdowns.
Carl Parker was the first receiver the Surge drafted in the initial positional draft. He will be the starting flanker for Sacramento in the World League. First he was drafted by the Bengals in 1988 and played on the special teams unit through the 1989 season. In 1990 he played with the Jets and the BC Lions. At Vanderbilt he started at flanker as a senior and was named to the all SEC team. Carl started at tight end as a junior and played on special teams all through his college career. He sat out his sophomore year with a knee injury.
Mike Elkins is a free agent signed by the World League and allocated to Sacramento to compete for the quarterback position. He was drafted by the Chiefs in 1989. At Wake Forest he was a 4 year starter and lead the ACC in passing in his senior and junior seasons. He was first team all ACC as a senior. He has been regarded as a dependable place kick holder.
Ben Bennett was drafted by Sacramento in the initial quarterback positional draft of the World League. Allen Beverly Bennett comes to Sacramento amidst a pro football odyssey that began when he was a draft choice by the Falcons in 1984. That same season the USFL Bulls drafted Ben and he signed with them and played in 2 games throwing for a touchdown. In 1985 he signed as a free agent with the Falcons and appeared in 1986 with the Oilers before making his last NFL stop in 1987 with the Bengals. Ben played arena football from 1988 to 1990. When he graduated Duke University he had the most passing yards in NCAA history with 9614. Bennett's junior season was highlighted by being named the ACC's MVP. During his sophomore season he was the also the starting punter. He started as the Duke quarterback since his freshman season and holds all of Duke's passing records at graduation.
David Archer was the very last player signed by Sacramento and joins the team after camp. Archer is an NFL veteran playing quarterback. He was a rookie free agent with the Falcons in 1984 filling Ben Bennett's vacancy and stayed for 6 NFL seasons. David played in 54 career games starting 27 of them. His NFL total stands at 4336 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. As a senior at Iowa State he set the school's single season record for passing yards. In his junior season he threw for only 1465 yards but he lead the Big 8 in passing both seasons. He transferred from Snow Junior college after his sophomore season where he was named a JUCO all American.
The very first team added to the World League of American Football is the
Orlando Thunder. Following the success of the USFL in Florida, the city is a prime location for Pro Football. Lee Corso was announced as the General Manager and the team will host their opponents at the
Citrus Bowl. Serving as first year Head Coach will be the "Mad Doctor"
Don Matthews. Famous for onsiding the opening kickoff, and running the Statue of Liberty three times in one half .... Matthews comes to Orlando from the CFL where he compliled a 66-31-1 record and scored a Grey Cup.
Erroll Tucker was the top selection by the Orlando Thunder in the defensive back positional draft. Erroll was first a draft choice by the Steelers in 1986 but missed his rookie season with a fractured ankle. He signed as a free agent by the Bills in 1988 playing in 9 games returning punts and kicks. In 1989 Tucker played in 4 games with the Bills before finishing the season with Patriots. At the University of Utah he led nation in both kick and punt returns in 1985. Named an all American as a senior, he had a college career 7 returns for touchdowns and 2 pick sixes from the cornerback position.
Eric Mitchel is the first running back selected by Orlando and the Mad Doctor will line him up all over the field. Mitchel was a draft pick by the Patriots in 1989 and signed with the Raiders in 1990 playing safety. While at the University of Oklahoma he was a role player during his senior year amassing 331 rushing yards, averaging over 10 yards per carry. In his junior season he registered 262 rushing yards with an 8.5 yard per carry average. He played quarterback as a sophomore passing for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns while rushing for 418 yards and scoring 7 touchdowns on the ground. He didn't see any action as the third string quarterback in his freshman season.
Kerwin Bell is the quarterback the Orlando Thunder selected in the initial positional draft. "K-Bell" was first drafted by the Dolphins in 1988 but signed as a free agent with the Falcons. In 1989 he was signed by the Buccaneers. When Kerwin graduated from the University of Florida he was the most prolific passer in SEC history. His college career is highlighted by 7585 passing yards and 56 touchdowns. He was named as the all SEC quarterback as a senior, junior, and a sophomore. He lead the nation in passing and was the SEC's MVP in his sophomore season. He finished 4th in the nation in pass effieciency in his freshman season.
Malcolm Frank comes to the Orlando Thunder as a free agent and will start opposite Tucker at cornerback on opening day. Frank was a rookie free agent with the Seahawks. At Baylor he was a 3 year starter playing cornerback finishing with 131 career tackles and 5 college interceptions.
Darryl Clack is the last player signed to the Orlando Thunder and is looking forward for an opportunity to be an everydown power back. Clack was a 2nd round pick by the Cowboys in 1986 and played 4 seasons appearing in 51 games, only starting 1 at running back in 1989. His NFL career totals include 1802 kick return yards. Playing behind Tony Dorsett and Herschel Waker he only ran for a career 113 rushing yards and had 22 receptions while scoring 3 NFL touchdowns. At Arizona State he missed 7 games in his senior season with a broken fibula, but made his return for the 1985 Holiday Bowl. In his junior season he rushed for 1052 yards and was named the all Pac 10 halfback. He earned second team all Pac 10 as a sophomore and during his freshman season he rushed for 932 yards.
B.K. Williams signs on with the World League and was picked by the Mad Doctor to start at wide receiver. He first was drafted by the Packers in 1983 but was signed by the Giants. In his rookie season he played in 5 games and had 20 receptions for 1 touchdown. In 1984 and 1985 he played 16 more games catching 24 passes and 2 touchdowns. He signed in 1987 with the BC Lions and played in 9 games catching 29 passes. For 1988 he caught 10 receptions for 1 touchdown with the BC Lions. In 1989 he played for the Rough Riders and appeared in 10 games snatching a career high 37 receptions. He was released by the BC Lions during the 1990 season. Byron Keith Williams was a 3 year letterman at Texas at Arlington. He lead the team in receptions as a senior.
Mike Withycombe is a World League draft pick who will start at left tackle on opening day. Mike was an original draft selection by the Jets in 1988. As an NFL rookie he played in 6 games, starting at right guard in 1 contest. In 1989 he played in 5 games, starting a game at left guard for the Jets. In 1990 he signed as a free agent with the Chargers. While at Fresno State he started at left tackle as a senior and a junior earning all PCAA honors both seasons. He redshirted in 1985 after transferring from West Hills Junior College in California.
Rodney Lossow will be the starting center for the Orlando Thunder in the World League of American Football. Rod was first drafted by the Patriots in 1988. In 1989 he played in 8 games for the Stampeders. He signed as a free agent with the Rams in 1990. Lossow tore his right anterior cruciate ligament while playing with the Rams. He had complete reconstructive knee surgery in November 1990. This is his return to the football field. At the University of Wisconsin he started at center as a senior and a junior. He played as a reserve center and guard during his sophomore season.
Owen Hooven is a 6'8" 331 pound football player who will be the starting right tackle for the Thunder. Owen was first a draft choice by the 1988 Cowboys. He missed all of the 1989 season with a shoulder injury and was signed in 1990 by the Eagles. At Oregon State he started at right tackle in his senior season. He transferred in 1986 from the College of the Redwoods in California after earning 2nd team all Golden Valley Conference honors.
Helmut Joder is one of the most popular players in the Orlando Thunder lockerroom and is a very famous athlete in his home country. He was a headline signing to the World League through Operation Discovery and will play on the the special teams unit and he appears on the depth chart in the left defensive end position. An accomplished kick boxer, in 1991 he ranked 2nd in the world in kick boxing earnings. He enters American Football as the five time defending German kick boxing champion.
Ray Criswell signs on to the Orlando Thunder as a dependable field flipper playing punter. Ray was first drafted in 1986 by the Eagles but was cut in preseason. He played in 1987 and 1988 with the Buccaneers. He signed as a free agent in 1989 with the Bears and in 1990 with the Colts. While punting at the University of Florida he was 9th in nation in his senior season. Ray's longest college punt was 72 yards.
Michael Titley is a free agent addition to the Thunder roster and will start at tight end. He was an original draft pick by the 1991 Dolphins. At the University of Iowa he was a 2 year starter playing tight end. He caught 50 receptions for 3 scores as a Hawkeye. He started his career at Nassau Community College in New York and registered 72 receptions in 2 seasons. Titley was named a JUCO all American as a sophomore.
Myron Jones is a power back who will see plenty of playing time in Orlando's fast paced offense. "Iron Myron" was drafted in 1990 by the Raiders and played as a free agent with the Tiger-Cats. While at Fresno State he was the starting fullback as a senior and ran for 863 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. He lead the team as junior with 90 points. During his sophomore season he played at Los Angeles Valley Community College and played his freshman ball at Pierce Junior College in California.
John Simpson is a positional draft pick for the Orlando Thunder and will play the slot position. He was first a draft choice by the Bears in 1989, before playing for the Tiger-Cats and Patriots in 1989. He signed with the Bengals in 1990. Teammates have nicknamed him "Bart Simpson" because of the resmblance.
Joe Howard signs on to the World League as a free agent and comes to Orlando looking to be a contributor playing wide receiver. Joe was a rookie free agent with the Buccaneers in 1985 and played with the Bills in 1987 and 1988. He signed as free agent with the Redskins in 1989. Playing for two and half seasons with the team, he ended his Redskins career with a broken his wrist in 1991. Playing wide receiver at Notre Dame Howard had 85 career college receptions with 7 touchdowns. He has 1 career college rush that ended in the endzone and 1 career pass that was completed for a touchdown in 1983. At Notre Dame he was a 4 year letter winner in football and earned 1 varisty letter in basketball.
Willie Davis is a late signing by the World League and is allocated to the Orlando Thunder. The speedy wide receiver was a rookie free agent in 1990 with the Chiefs. At the University of Central Arkansas, Willie caught 63 college catches for 1292 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. His longest was a 99 yard touchdown reception.
Wayne Davis was selected as Orlando's first player in the linebacker positional draft. He will start at the right outside linebacker position. He was a draft selection in 1987 by the Cardinals and played in 28 games for the team in 2 years. He signed as a free agent in 1989 with the Rams and in 1990 with the Eskimos. At the University of Alabama, Davis was a starter for 3 seasons at linebacker. He lead the Crimson Tide with tackles as a junior.
Wayne Dickson is the starting middle linebacker in Orlando and will call the defensive signals for the Thunder. Dickson was first a rookie free agent with the Chargers in 1990, he also played with the BC Lions in 1990. At the University of Oklahoma he started at defensive end as a senior and recorded 7 sacks.
Scott Mitchell comes to the World League as a free agent and signs on with the Thunder looking to get pro experience playing quarterback. Mitchell was a draft choice by the Dolphins in 1990 and has yet to take a snap playing behind Dan Marino and Scott Secules. At the University of Utah he made first start at quarterback half way through his sophomore season, and started every game up till graduation. Scott lead the nation in passing yards and touchdowns as a junior. He graduated as the school's all time leading passer.
Roger Vick signs on with the Orlando Thunder to play fullback. Roger was a 1st round pick in 1987 by the Jets and started 44 NFL games at fullback. He rushed for 1231 yards and 9 touchdowns in the NFL. At Texas A&M he was a 4 year letterman and started at fullback in his senior and junior seasons.
"There are Coaches who spend eighteen hours a day coaching the perfect game, and they lose because the ball is oval and they can't control the bounce." - Bud Grant
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