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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze will begin training camp for their third season on Thursday, February 7, 2008. The much anticipated season brings both old and new additions to the 2008 Blaze roster.
The players and coaches will train together for three weeks prior to the season opener on March 1, 2008 at 7 p.m. against the Arizona Rattlers. Training camp will begin on February 7 and practices will be held at the Spence Eccles Field House and SportsPlex in Kaysville, UT. Practices will run from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and from 3-5 p.m. for the first week of camp.
"We've been looking forward to training camp for some time now," said Blaze head coach and general manager DANNY WHITE. "The talent on this roster is outstanding. This is the most balanced roster we have had, and I am confident this team will be successful in the upcoming season."
Of the 36 players currently on the training camp roster, 16 are returning from last year and 20 are new additions. DEVIN WYMAN (6-8, 350, Kentucky State) joins the Blaze with five years of AFL experience. The 2007 All-Arena offensive lineman has played with the Dallas Desperados and the San Jose SaberCats.
With five years of AFL experience, EJ BURT (6-2, 265, West Liberty State), who is climbing the AFL's all-time sack leader chart, joins the Blaze. Burt has spent time with the Chicago Rush, Philadelphia Soul and Orlando Predators. He was named to the AFL's All-Rookie team in 2003 and earned Second Team All-Arena honors in 2005. Burt averages over 6.5 sacks per season and is currently ranked 12th on the AFL's all-time list for sacks in a career.
Other new veterans rounding out the training camp roster include DWAYNE MISSOURI (6-5, 280, Northwestern) from Dallas and RODNEY FILER (6-3, 260, Iowa) from Tampa Bay. Both players bring a combined 14 years of AFL experience and will be valuable additions to the team.
