Tuesday the players strapped on the pads for the first time and the coaches wasted no time getting the players acclimated as the day kicked off with the highly anticipated Oklahoma drill.  The drill is a great way for the players to knock the rust off and get the adrenaline going.
 
The drill squares up offensive and defensive players in a confined space where the only option is contact.  There is no way to avoid it.  The session, always highlighted with big hits, shows the coaches how tough a player is and his willingness to take on contact.  Animated with excitement, even the offensive players want to take a turn on the defensive side of the ball, looking to lay down a big hit or knock off someone’s helmet as was the case Tuesday.
 
In the later session the coaches focused on situational drills, working on the mental preparation and increasing situational awareness.  They ran the players through, pursuit, football protection and recovery drills as well as worked on formation adjustments.  The coaches pushed the pace during the second session focusing on the quality of work rather than the quantity looking ahead to Wednesday's inter-squad practice with Orlando.
 
The team departs early Wednesday morning to head over to Orlando for an inter-squad practice with the Orlando Predators at the Citrus Bowl.  Practice will begin at 9:30 and last until 12:30.  Fans and media are welcome to attend.
 
Talking about the Oklahoma drill director of player personnel Dave Wilson said, “All we are testing is to see how physical a guy can be.  This brings the team together as they fight for the ball.”
 
“The Oklahoma drill separates the men from the kids,” said defensive back Erick McIntosh.  “The defense really looks forward to the drill; it has a domino effect, even the offensive players come on over to our side of the ball to show they can hit as well.”
 
New wide receiver Chandler Williams, one of the smallest receivers in camp, listed at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, showed his grit today during the Oklahoma drill.  After taking several reps running directly into the heart of the defense, he drew praise from defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham “I was really impressed the toughness he exhibited today.”
Alumni Sighting:  Former fullback/linebacker Tony Jones visited with the team Tuesday.  Jones earned two ArenaBowl Championship rings with the Storm in three trips to the championship game.  In observing the play of the defensive line he stated, “the guys out there in the defensive front four looked like determined young men.  The key to the game is up front, you need to protect your quarterback and get after theirs.”

Here's a recap of Monday's third day of Storm training camp, courtesy of the team.

With the third day of training camp under wraps the Storm finished installing its basic defensive package.  “The defensive backs are adjusting well to the schemes,” said defensive coordinator Donnie Abraham.  “They did a good job with recognition of the coverages.”  The next step for the defense is to work on matchups and situational football in preparation for the season.

The first practice for the players mimicked the morning weather as the team was cool and crisp.  It was highlighted with a 52-yard, Juan Bongarra, field goal that drew cheers from his teammates.  The second practice ended early as the coaches pushed the pace.  They want to give the players a little extra time to rest before tomorrows practice, the first in pads.  “You have to give the guys time to take care of their bodies,” said head coach Dave Ewart. 

New Addition: The team signed defensive back Rod Mosley today.  Mosley (5-foot-11, 185 lbs., Texas A&M-Kingsville) is a two-year veteran in the Arena Football League.  He played with the San Jose SaberCats, Spokane Shock and Utah Blaze over his two-year career (2010-11).  During those two seasons Mosley has recorded 54 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception he returned nine yards for a touchdown.

Looking Forward: Players are not the only ones excited to see the pads come out.  The coaches are as well, “this is when we see who the real tough guys are,” said head coach Dave Ewart.  “The bells and whistles are gone; it’s now time to see who can bang.”  The team will have one day in pads prior to heading to Orlando for a live inter-squad practice at the Citrus Bowl.

Coaches Perspective:“There are still some things we need to work, but I am pleased with how the first three days went,” said Ewart.  “The guys have been pushing hard, giving real good effort during practice.  As we get into the pads we will get a better feel for what the guys can and can’t do.

Quote of the Day:  “The team seems to be coming together as a group,” said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.  “That is an important part of training camp, the ability of the players to come together and play as a team, not as individuals.”

The Tampa Bay Storm added defensive lineman David Akinniyi (ah-KIN-ee-yee) to the roster, announced vice president of player personnel Jeff Gooch.

“David is a guy we have kept an eye on since the conclusion of the 2011 season,” said Gooch.  “He has real good speed for a player his size and the ability to play with his hand in the dirt or from an upright position.  He will add flexibility to our front four.”

Akinniyi (6-foot-4, 260 lbs., North Carolina State) spent time with the Minnesota Vikings this past NFL preseason, joining the team as an undrafted rookie free agent.  A three-year starter at Northeastern in the Colonial Athletic Conference, he transferred to North Carolina State for his senior season after Northeastern dropped its football program.  Akinniyi transitioned smoothly and moved right into the starting defensive end position for the Wolfpack.

While at Northeastern, Akinniyi was named to the CAA All-Academic team, Academic All-America team by ESPN and at NC State he earned the Edwards Award given to the senior with the highest scholastic average, as well as the Bob Warren Award, given to the player that best exemplifies integrity and sportsmanship.  During his senior season with the Wolfpack, he recorded 20 tackles, 4.5 for a loss and three sacks.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm celebrates its 25th season in the AFL.  The 2012 Season home opener is Friday, March 16 versus South Division rival Georgia Force.  2012 season tickets and four-game packs are currently on sale; those who purchase season tickets in the promenade level receive a free replica Storm jersey per seat commitment and will receive discounts on merchandise and concessions.  For more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.