Ex-Raiders get another chance to play



Can a summer pro football league make it?

The new All American Football League will make its debut in April, featuring teams in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Texas and Arkansas.

The concept is to field teams of ex-college players who will be drafted by franchises in their nearby or home states. The teams will play in college venues such as Neyland Stadium in Knoxville and Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

At least two former MTSU football players will be afforded the opportunity to continue their careers with Tennessee. Former Blue Raider tailback Dwone Hicks and quarterback Andrico Hines are on Tennessee's 21-player protected list going into Saturday's inaugural draft that will be televised live on CSS (Channel 27).

Former UT quarterback Tee Martin and place-kicker James Wilhoit, who have done a lot of public relations work for the league, are among others protected by Tennessee.

League of integrity

In order to be eligible to play in the All American League, one of the first criteria is that you must be a college graduate.

"We wanted high-character guys to promote the league," said Wilhoit. "The best thing is to promote players who have degrees, and we thought it would be motivating for some to go back and get their degree."

The league's founder is San Diego business man Marcus Katz, who co-founded Educational Loan Administration Group. Board of directors include former NCAA president Cedric Dempsey, former University of Tennessee athletic director Doug Dickey and former U.S. Naval Academy athletic director Jack Lengyel.

Many former Blue Raiders like wide receivers Kerry Wright and Pedro Holiday, defensive backs Keon Raymond, Reggie Doucet and Kareem Bland, linebackers Justin Rainey and Marcus Brandon, and defensive linemen Devarick Scandrett and Jerry Vanderpool are among those who could be drafted.

A total of 60 players will go to each team's respective training camp, and the rosters will be trimmed to 46 when the final cuts are made.

"There are a lot of former college players who will make up the league like Chris Leak from Florida and Tee Martin from UT," Wilhoit said. "It's a unique concept. We'll be playing in the same college stadiums and keeping those rivalries going."

Whether the league succeeds remains to be seen, but it is being backed by plenty of money and ran by men of integrity and experience.

It also will be an opportunity for some former Blue Raiders — and graduates — to keep living the dream.

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