Storm

Ex-Bull makes impression in Storm's scrimmage loss

By Keith Niebuhr, Times Staff Writer
Published February 22, 2008

TAMPA - Former USF standout Kenyatta Jones was drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots, played four years in the NFL, started 13 games and won a Super Bowl. Despite that, the first-year Storm player hasn't been given anything since joining the Arena Football League squad.

"I'm just trying to go hard every play," said Jones, an offensive lineman. "I can't think in my head, 'I've been to the NFL.'"

During the Storm's 42-35 loss in a scrimmage against the Orlando Predators on Thursday at the St. Pete Times Forum, Jones showed off some of the skills that made him an NFL player. And in doing so, he appears to have taken the lead over former Florida Gator Randy Hand for the last starting spot on the offensive line.

"He blocked them pretty good," Storm coach Tim Marcum said.

With Monday's final cuts approaching, the scrimmage gave both staffs the chance to evaluate players one last time. Marcum, in fact, said he anticipates some cuts will be made today. Each team had eight possessions. Orlando scored seven times; the Storm scored on five series. Storm starting quarterback Brett Dietz completed 9 of 14 passes with a touchdown, the offensive and defensive line play was solid and nobody was injured.

"We hit good, and the effort was good," Marcum said. "I'm pleased with the outing."

[Last modified February 21, 2008, 23:43:26]