Arena League

2 fill in for 1 injured star

T.T. Toliver's injury opened spots for an Arena League veteran and a rookie with NFL dreams.

By FRANK PASTOR
Published February 6, 2005

TAMPA - Few things jump start a stalled contract negotiation like an injury, particularly one to a marquee player.

Just when discussions with defensive specialist Anthony Derricks seemed to have broken down, Storm receiver/defensive back T.T. Toliver tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during a scrimmage.

Storm assistant Mark Stoute immediately placed a call to Derricks.

"I was basically prepared to sit out this year," Derricks said. "My body wasn't like I wanted it to be, but coach Stoute called me and said they really needed me, so I was like, "Okay, we can make it happen, then.' "

Toliver was placed on injured reserve, giving the Storm the room it needed under the salary cap to sign Derricks, a sixth-year veteran.

Derricks started in the defensive backfield in the Storm's 63-33 victory over defending champion San Jose six days later and will be in the same spot today against Austin. Rookie Lynaris Elpheage backs up Derricks, and Clif Dell takes Toliver's place on offense.

"It was a big loss for us as a team, but I learned a lot from T.T.," Elpheage said. "I just try to step in and do the things he does. He makes a lot of plays for the team, so me and A.D. just have to combine and bring that same type of atmosphere to the game."

Toliver scored 18 touchdowns and led the Storm with 2,095 all-purpose yards last season, when he was named to the All-Ironman team. His versatility was as important as his athleticism. He was on the field for about 80 percent of the plays, including kickoffs.

With Toliver expected out at least another four weeks, Storm coach Tim Marcum hopes Derricks and Elpheage can build on last week's performance, when they combined for 21/2 tackles and two pass breakups.

"Both of those guys are pretty quick, Elpheage and Derricks," Marcum said.

"Body style, Derricks and T.T. are kind of the same. They've got the little, skinny legs, those deer legs."

Without the benefit of training camp, Derricks' legs began to give out in the third quarter. He did extra cardiovascular work this week in the hopes of returning to the form that allowed him to return four kickoffs for touchdowns in a 2000 game against San Jose.

"Sometimes, players are in a zone and I was in a zone that day," Derricks said. "After the second one, I just knew every time, "If I field the ball clean, then I'm going to score today.' Actually, I had five but I stepped out of bounds going in on the fifth one."

Elpheage took a misstep of his own when he left Tulane early to enter the 2003 NFL draft.

After a junior season in which he became the first player in NCAA history to return a fumble, interception, kickoff and punt for a touchdown, Elpheage was expected to go between the third and fifth rounds. But he pulled a hamstring before the combine and aggravated the injury during his workout, dropping his stock.

Elpheage was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints and participated in the Bucs' 2004 training camp. Released before the start of the season, he hopes to use the Arena League as a springboard back to the NFL.

"It was disappointing, but it was a good experience," Elpheage said.

"I learned a lot from the Bucs that will help me along the way. So, next time I get a chance, like now, I'll just stick in there and make it happen."

Derricks hasn't made it in the NFL, either. But a relative has.

Philadelphia Eagles receiver Todd Pinkston, a third cousin, will play in the Super Bowl today in Jacksonville.

"I told him I wish I could see him play in his first Super Bowl," Derricks said.

"But I've got to play my own game. I've got to work, too."

[Last modified February 6, 2005, 00:22:15]