Event Date: February 1st, 1983
Event Description: Invaders Open Camp
Source: UPI
Outside of their blue, gold and white uniforms, there is a strong Raiders look to the Oakland Invaders of the new United States Football League.
Not only will the Invaders play in the Raiders' old home park -- the Oakland Coliseum -- but they also have taken over the Raiders' former offices and their practice field.
In addition, of the 79 players coach-general manager John Ralston will take to training camp in Arizona, there are seven players with former Raider experience, foremost among them linebacker Raymond Chester, running back Clarence Hawkins and defensive end Cedrick Hardman.
“We're extremely happy with the players we will be taking to camp,” said Ralston, “but obviously, we will have to sign some of our draft picks in order to have a representative team. On that front, we are hopeful.”
The Invaders believe they have a solid chance at their top pick - linebacker Billy Ray Smith of Arkansas -- and quarterback Ken O'Brien of UC Davis. Also, there is a good chance they may land San Jose quarterback Steve Clarkson from among the territorial picks. O'Brien and Clarkson both are excellent passers and thus would fit in perfectly in Ralston's planned offense.
Other NFL seasoned players on the Invaders roster are running backs Bubba Bean (Atlanta Falcons) and Delvin Williams (San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins).
The Invaders, like all the other USFL teams, will not play any exhibition games but they will hold scrimmages against the other teams training in Arizona -- the Arizona Wranglers, Denver Gold and Chicago Blitz. They may also work in a scrimmage against the Los Angeles Express, which will train in Southern California.
No comments:
Post a Comment