As a result of the talent level that took part in the three auditions, several rookies were invited to the camps where they will join league veterans trying to make the final 20-player active roster for the opening of the eight-team 2016 LFLUSA regular season.While off-season change is common for the LFL, the number of rookies combined with retirements and a new free agent system promise to make the coming season one of the most exciting yet for fans of the league.
Like all the teams in the LFL, Atlanta fans will have a number of new faces-both rookies and LFL veterans wearing the Steam colors for the first time-to get to know over the next few months.
Atlanta had 54 athletes take part in the fourth open tryout in the history of the franchise which resulted in more than 20 rookies receiving invitations to camp. Joining the LFL newbie’s during the January sessions will be 12 Steam players that are returning as well as seven LFL veterans that will be working toward a roster spot for the black and red for the first time.
STEAM PRESEASON ROSTER
Returning Steammates
Brooke Barnhill (CB/WR), Jayne Caldwell (QB), Sharlene Fuller (G/SS), Alfye Gore (CB/FS), Keyon Harrison (CB/G/DE), Dakota Hughes (QB), Jessie Locklear (RB/WR), Coco Montgomery (TE/DE), Adrian Purnell (SS/TE), Dina Wojowski (C/MLB), Carolyn Wright (CB/WR), Lauran Ziegler (WR/CB)
LFL Vets
Kimm Chase (DE/TE), Brittany Demery (DE/RB), Heather Hudson (WR/FS), Skeeter Moreno (CB/WR), Thereasa Petrizullio (WR/SS), Pia Perry (C/DE), Amanda Ruller (RB/WR)
Rookies
Arryana Barton, Xica Brewer, Allena Bryant, Santia Deck, Dee Decker, Danielle Dicaterino, Angela Eliason, Tiara Elvin, Eisha Finnie, Chyanne H., Erica Koup, Mari Michelle, Artavious Moore, , Troylisha Orange, Allison Pompey, Adriana Smith, Vynnessa Smith, Oreonna Taylor, Katie Tessaro, LaChana Williams, Tiandra Williams.
Robinson believes that two of the rookies, Decker and Deck, have the potential to be impact players in their first season in the LFL. Coach Robinson is planning to keep 26-28 players with 20 players on the active roster with the remainder comprising the practice squad.
Despite the loss of some fan favorites that will be missed, the fourth edition of the Atlanta Steam has the potential to be the deepest yet. However, after four consecutive losses to the Chicago Bliss, including a blowout in the 2015 Legends Cup, only bringing home the LFL championship will be seen as meeting that potential.
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