J.J. Raterink, QB:
In the AFL, it all starts and ends with the QB. After a spectacular 93 TD - 9 INT performance last year, wrapping up Raterink for 2 years is a great move for the Barnstormers. As he builds chemistry with Mike Hohensee, the offense will continue to improve, especially if the Barnstormer coaching staff and front office can put together an offensive line that can protect him.
Kyle Nunn, OT:
The only rookie signed to the Barnstormer training camp roster so far, Kyle Nunn will hopefully be a part of rebuilding an offensive line that allowed 55 sacks last season. On tape, Nunn does a good job of holding the outside edge of the pocket and dictating where the defender moves him, but he does get moved. Gives the QB time to step up, but sometimes gives up position and leaves a gap where defenders can come off of other linemen. Seems to play his best football in the run game, especially sweep blocking schemes one on one against defenders. Has the potential to play well controlling the outside edge of the pocket for Raterink.
Rodney Gnat, DL:
Gnat joined the Barnstormers as a rookie in 2012, immediately earning a spot as a team captain. He recorded a team high 5 sacks in 16 games, and was a high motor presence on the DL all season. After slowing down statistically towards the end of the year, the team will need Gnat to take a huge step forward and continue to be a presence on a defensive line that only generated 14 sacks in 18 games.
Marco Thomas, WR:
After a rough start last year, Marco Thomas stepped up, producing a TD in each of the last 12 games of the season, and ending with over 1500 receiving yards and 21 TDs. On a roster that isn't incredibly likely to return star WR Jesse Schmidt, who may retire, the Barnstormers will be looking to see Thomas step up, and have given him a 2 year deal that reflects their expectations.
Significant No-Shows:
Jesse Schmidt, WR:
The star of the Barnstormers for the last 3 years, Jesse Schmidt was tabbed as a possible retirement at the end of last season. Easily the top WR in the AFL for the last 2 years, losing Schmidt would definitely be a blow to this squad.
Cameron McGlenn, DB:
A presence for the last few years in the Barnstormer secondary, Cameron McGlenn has yet to be signed to an AFL roster this year. A player who I've personally questioned many times in coverage, it will be interesting to see if the team returns McGlenn or goes in another direction.
The entire 2012 OL:
This offensive line gave up 55 sacks in 18 games, and was a constant source of frustration to the Barnstormers, between questionable protection, depth, and injury issues. There were rumors that Linnenkohl may have been planning to step away from football, but Xavier Manuel and Cornelius Lewis are also no-shows to this point. Is this a sign that a new offensive line is incoming?
Other notable No-Shows:
Justin Mincey, DL
John Mohring, LB
Jason Simpson, DB
Jason Simpson, DB
The FB position
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