By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
TAMPA — The most glaring thing missing from Tampa Bay's training camp is certainly longtime coach Tim Marcum, who resigned last week. But running a close second is experience.
Tampa Bay, which had its 2011 opening practice Sunday at Skyway Park, is long on fresh faces and short on tenure. Only six players from the 2010 team that lost in the ArenaBowl to Spokane are on the current roster, which includes 27 rookies.
"As you can see we have some shoes to fill," new coach Dave Ewart said.
One current player has more than three years' experience —former Springstead High and USF receiver Huey Whittaker, who was acquired this month from the Shock.
"One thing about having all these young guys is you tell them to run through a wall and they'll do it," Ewart said.
Changes are likely as the Storm shapes its roster for the March 11 opener at New Orleans. A number of veterans — notably receiver Tyrone Timmons, defensive lineman Kelvin Kinney and fullback Terrence Royal — are expected to report.
"I can't control the older guys who aren't here," Ewart said. "I can only coach the ones who are."
Preseason: The Storm's preseason opener is 7 p.m. Monday in Jacksonville. Tampa Bay then hosts Orlando at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the St. Pete Times Forum. Admission is free on Thursday.