(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
(Green is back on the sidelines, this time in the UFL.)
Dennis Green is a long ways from his days in Minnesota, but he brings a tough, aggressive approach to the up-start UFL, as he brings a solid NFL career record of 113-94 and a winning attitude to California.
With a solid staff and a roster of talented, over-looked athletes, he gives California it's fourth football team to cheer for.
While the eyes of California will undoubtedly be on the Chargers, 49ers, and Raiders of the NFL, Green and the rest of his team bring a new and exciting spin to professional football, on a stage that is much different than the highest level of play.
The rosters are far from concrete at this point in the UFL pre-season, but with some key players currently listed on the team's roster, here's a look at the ones that stand-out:
Offense
Shane Boyd (QB)
While Boyd may never have been an NFL household name, he did play for four NFL teams, and made quite the name for himself in NFL Europe.
Despite bouncing from team to team from 2005-2009, Boyd was effective enough overseas, as he finished his play in Europe with the most rushing yards in a career for a quarterback.
Larry Brackins (WR)
Brackins was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a fifth round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, but but was released following the 2006 season.
He went on to record 20 touchdowns as a rookie in the Arena Football League, and also finished 17th in the league with 107 receptions, 1,395 yards, and 29 scores in the 2008 season.
Brackins has battled injuries in his short career, and while he doesn't have elite speed, he possesses excellent size (6'4'' and 221 lbs) and ball skills.
B.J. Sams (RB/WR/KR)
Sams was an electric return man in the NFL while with the Baltimore Ravens, where he also filled-in at receiver and running back.
In three seasons with the Ravens (and one with the Chiefs), Sams collected over 3,300 kick return yards and over 1,300 punt return yards, while also registering two returns for touchdowns.
Sams left the Ravens after breaking his leg in 2007, and was out of the league following a DUI arrest, but with a spot on California's roster, he finally gets a chance to redeem himself and make his name known once again in professional football.
Defense
Marviel Underwood (DB)
Underwood was originally a fourth round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2005, and actually dressed for all 16 games in his rookie season.
Tragedy struck Underwood the next season, however, as he tore two knee ligaments during the pre-season and was placed on IR, despite having a successful off-season.
Underwood's career was filled with potential up until the injury, but unfortunately he jumped from team to team until he was out of the league.
Now with California, a healthy and re-dedicated Underwood has another shot at proving he was worth a mid-round selection, as well as has the talent to play at the highest level.
Paul Carrington (DE)
Carrington is another young NFL player that never had the chance to truly prove himself, but has the physical tools and size to potentially dominate at his position.
At 6'7'' and 270 lbs., Carrington has the size and strength to aid in rush defense, while also having the motor and aggressiveness to get after the quarterback.
He led Conference USA in sacks as a senior at Central Florida in 2004, while finishing 23rd in the country that year with nine sacks.
Carrington went on to sign with the Atlanta Falcons in 2006 as an undrafted free agent, and recorded 37 tackles and three sacks in his only season with the team.
California's team may not be made-up of a long list of huge names, draft busts, or college superstars, but there is talent on it's roster; enough for it's fans to be hopeful for a successful season.
While the roster is sure to change with added players after more try-outs, it appears that the Redwoods already have the foundation for success.
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