Storm 2008 Preview
(February 27, 2008)

The Tampa Bay Storm won eight of its final nine games last season to finish 9- 7. Despite losing in the first round of the playoffs, the Storm is predicted to be a contender in 2008. With new owner Bob Nucci, there is excitement surrounding this Arena Football League franchise.

Lawrence Samuels Bio

Born: May 1, 1970 (Mobile, Alabama)

College: Livingston University (West Alabama)

A star on both sides of the ball, Lawrence Samuels enters his 14th season with the Storm. He is the team's all-time leading receiver (9,732 yards) and second in career interceptions (25). Samuels was a star basketball player at John S. Shaw High School in Mobile and did not play football until his senior year, but was named the team MVP. He played wide receiver at Livingston University (now known as West Alabama) for four years. The Storm signed Samuels to a free agent contact during the 1994 season and, with the exception of spending 2001 with New Jersey, he has been in Tampa Bay ever since. Samuels has a degree in Industrial Technology and his older brother, Chris, was a first-round draft choice of the Washington Redskins in 2000.

As with any team, the quarterback position will be the key. The Storm feels they have found their man in Brett Dietz and team signed the league's co-rookie of the year to a long term deal. A talented group of receivers should help with Dietz's development. Lawernce Samuels, Terrill Shaw, David Saunders and Hank Edwards are back, however, Shaw was injured for most of training camp. The addition of Sedrick Robinson, who is also a dangerous return man with an AFL record 20 return TDs, makes the wide receiver position the team's strength.

After rushing for 17 touchdowns in 2007, Torrance Marshall will lead the running attack. Big things are also expected from veteran fullback Kevin Clemens. The line will be anchored by the return of Tom Briggs, Tim McGill, Mark Word and Ernest Certain. Former USF standout lineman Kenyatta Jones is a huge addition to this group. Seth Marler returns to handle the kicking duties. The defense has looked good in training camp. Jeroid Johnson is the star, but Khalid Naziruddin and Traco Rachal are also steady in the defensive backfield.

The Storm have a new boss this year. In December, Tampa orthopedic surgeon Bob Nucci became the majority owner of the Tampa Bay Storm. Dr. Nucci paid $9.6 million for 51 percent of the team with Woody Kern, principal owner for the last thirteen years, remains a minority owner. Nucci has said, "The Tampa Bay Storm is the most storied franchise in the AFL and I am excited to join a championship atmosphere."

Tampa Bay is the preseason favorite to win the South Division, but Georgia is expected to be very solid. Orlando and New Orleans seem to have more questions to be answered before the season starts. If the Storm can avoid its traditional slow start, they might be tough to beat. Head coach Tim Marcum states, "We hope to pick up where we left off last season."

We will begin to find out how good the 2008 Tampa Bay Storm is this Saturday at Kansas City. Could they be head to this year's Arena Bowl in New Orleans?