By EVAN VLADEM

TAMPA, FL – When the Tampa Bay Storm announced they would be having an open tryout on Saturday, February 20, the childhood dreams of becoming a professional football player for many were revived.  Over 120 people waited in line on Saturday morning for the small chance of getting an invite to training camp on March 14. Fans, parents, scouts, coaches from arena leagues throughout the nation and current Storm players were in attendance to catch a glimpse of the talent in the Tampa Bay area. Some parents held cameras and camcorders to document their son’s attempt to join the Arena Football League.

“It might have been one of our best tryouts as far as talent level,” Head Coach Tim Marcum said. “It looks like we are going to sign at least two or maybe three of the guys. We are looking at two of the receivers and a defensive back.”

The tryout was lead by Marcum and Dave Ewart, Director of Player Personnel. After a brief warm-up, players were separated into three groups. They were tested on the 40-yard dash, short shuttle run, broad jump and a line drill. After their times were recorded, the players were given a chance to display their skills. The athletes were grouped by position and ran through drills. Following drills, wide receivers, defensive backs and quarterbacks participated in a one-on-one session. Receivers battled defensive backs to prove their skills.

The tryout was held on a field turf field at Skyway Park in Tampa, FL. The Storm play on an artificial turf in the St. Pete Times Forum, a surface which is a bit faster than field turf.

“I think the field is a little slower than the turf inside the arena. It’s softer. The rubber underneath the field makes it a bit slower but it’s still a faster surface than grass.”

Still, many participants posted impressive 40-yard dash and shuttle run times. 11 potential players clocked times less than 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the fastest time being 4.33 seconds by Ovie Esalomi. Esalomi, a former Gather High School graduate, played college ball at New Mexico Military Institute and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Some players looked to revamp their AFL career after play was suspended last year. Rob Theoudele, a former University of Connecticut wide receiver, optioned to play the 2009 season for the af2’s Green Bay Blizzard during the AFL’s year-long hiatus. Theoudele, who trains with roommate and Buccaneers wide receiver Maurice Stovall, posted the second best 20-yard shuttle run time of 4.16 seconds.

“I’m happy about my time,” said Theoudele, “There was a lot of good talent out there. I had a little head start in front of some of the guys because I did play arena football last year. I think that helped me out a lot. For a lot of the players out there, it is their first experience with arena football. I was in their position before though. “

Other notable players in attendance included J.R. Russell.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Russell, a former Louisville wide receiver, in 2005. The former Gaither High School football and basketball standout competed for a roster spot for the 2006 season against former Pro Bowler David Boston and rookie Maurice Stovall.  Before the season began, Russell was released.

The Tampa Bay Storm will kick off the 2010 season against the Tulsa Talons on Saturday, April 3 in Tulsa. Training camp opens March 14.