January 9, 2001
Birmingham Bolts quarterbacks, offensive coordinator Dave
Arslanian and head coach Gerry DiNardo had the opportunity
Tuesday to work with the XFL coach-to-quarterback communication
system that will be employed by the Bolts when the season
begins Feb. 4 against Memphis. The system passed with flying
colors.
I really like this, but you have to be careful you dont
talk too much while the ball is in play, Arslanian said following
Tuesday nights practice. One time I was able to tell Casey
(Weldon) to throw to the tight end late and we got a big play
out of it.
The system allows coaches to communicate with the quarterbacks,
but will not be turned off after a set amount of time like
the National Football League. The television viewers and the
fans in the stadium will also hear communications between
coach and quarterback.
For the second time in five days the Orlando Rage and the
Thunderbolts will work together in practice. Unlike Saturdays
pass skeleton and team scrimmage against the Rage, Wednesdays
session will focus solely on the kicking game. DiNardo said
the session would consist of 23 plays of live special teams
work, beginning at the halfway point of practice.
Friday night will be an early preview of week two of the XFL
season when Birmingham and New York/New Jersey scrimmage at
the Hitmen training complex at 7 p.m. EST.
The scrimmage is scheduled to allow both the Bolts and Hitmen
offenses to run 60 plays. There is also some kicking game
work scheduled for the session.
Bolts offensive line coach Rick Rhoades has Ryan Thomassie
working as the starter at center after noting that the LSU
product has had a productive camp. Early frontrunners for
starting jobs on the offensive line include Mike Edwards,
Ed King or Ozell Powell at tackles, along with Matt Hogg and
Antonio Fleming at guards.
Former Alabama running back Curtis Alexander returned to practice
Tuesday after missing a couple of days battling a case of
dizziness. Tight end Nicky Savoie also practiced in a limited
role during the night session after being out several days
with a calf strain.
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