After all players have registered and signed all necessary forms; players will be stretched and warmed up by Desperado coaches. After players are warmed up they will be separated into testing groups. Each player will run (2) 40 yard dashes, (2) 20 yard short shuttles, and (2) standing broad jumps. Players that meet the Pro Standards (which will be posted at each station) will be invited back for the positional drill and 1 on 1 evaluations later that day. Players that do not meet the standards will not be invited back to participate in the drills.
What are the Pro Standards for each testing station?
40 Yard Dash: times must meet the following Pro Standards per position:
WR/DB- 4.8
WR/LB- 4.8
Offensive Specialist- 4.8
QB/FB/LB- 5.0
OL/DL- 5.3
20 Yard Short Shuttle: times must meet the following Pro Standards per position:
WR/DB- 4.3
WR/LB- 4.3
Offensive Specialist- 4.3
QB/FB/LB- 4.5
OL/DL- 4.8
Standing Broad Jump: must meet the following Pro Standards
WR/DB- 9'0
WR/LB- 9'0
Offensive Specialist- 9'0
QB/FB/LB- 8'6
OL/DL- 8'0
What do I wear to the tryouts?
The tryouts are non-padded so there is no need to bring helmets or shoulder pads. Participants will be given a numbered workout shirt that they must wear during the tryout. Players are to wear shorts or tights also.
What type of shoes should I wear?
Players should bring grass cleats as well as turf shoes. No track spikes will be allowed during any testing. Football cleats or turf shoes should be worn during the positional drills.
Has the team ever signed anyone from a tryout?
The team has signed players from the open workouts in the past. Andrew Layton was signed to the Dallas Desperados prior to the 2005 season following a Dallas Desperados Open Tryout and has been on the roster for two years. Evan Cardwell was signed to the Dallas Desperados team prior to the 2006 season and saw significant playing time after showcasing his talent during the open tryout at Texas Stadium. Michael Hawkins was signed from an open workout, played for the Desperados for two seasons and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round of the 2005 draft.
Players must meet the standards and have an exceptional workout to be considered to be signed by the team. Coaches will compare the information and film from all tryouts and select the most qualified candidates to fill the team.
What positions is the team looking to fill?
The Desperados will take 37 players to camp. We have 18 players returning from last year so there are plenty roster spots to fill. The coaches are looking for the best prospects in the country that can help the team win the Arena Bowl in 2008. Players must have the ability to play offense and defense because players in the AFL are ironmen that play both ways.
Wide Receivers will also be worked out at Defensive Back.
Defensive Backs will also be worked out at Wide Receiver.
Full Backs will also be worked out at Line Backer.
Offensive Lineman will also be worked out at Defensive Lineman.
Defensive Lineman will also be worked out at Offensive Lineman.
Do the players get paid?
The minimum salary is around $28,000 for the season which is about $1,700 per game. Players housing is also paid for during the season. Players who make the roster also receive health benefits if they are on the roster for a minimum number of games.
When does the team practice and where?
The Desperados meet and practice from approximately 8:00AM to 2:00PM everyday during the season. During the season our practice facilities are at Texas Stadium.
Who is evaluating me as a player?
The Desperados coaching staff as well as coaches from various professional leagues such as AF2 evaluate all athletes in attendance. It is our policy to try and help the best players find a place to showcase their skills even if it is not with the Desperados. Players from the Desperados tryouts have also been signed by other teams.
What if I don't meet the testing standards but I am a good football player?
The testing standards are the criteria that coaches feel a player must meet to be able to compete at the AFL level. They are set as minimum standards that if met, shows that a player has the ability to possibly compete against the world class athletes in the AFL. You will only be able to be evaluated on your football skills if you pass the testing standards.
Can I send in tape of me playing football and will that help my chances of being signed by the Desperados?
Players can send tape to The Dallas Desperados at: Dallas Desperados
Attn: Player Personnel
2401 E. Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Players should send tape of any Jr. College, college, professional, or semi-pro games. High school tapes will not be viewed.
How will I know if I am a candidate to make the 2007 Desperados training camp roster?
Desperados coaches will contact you if there is an interest. A minimum of five (5) participants from the open tryout will be invited to participate in an elite workout hosted by the Dallas Desperados coaches.
What if I don't have a computer or am not able to download the registration form?
You can contact the Desperados at (972) 556-4868 and someone will send you a registration form.
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