Projected AFL Players of the Year

Nathan Boudreaux -- With one-fourth of the AFL season already in the books, it’s time to break out the crystal ball to see who will be walking across the stage to accept the Arena Football League’s end of the year awards. I know it’s only been four games and a lot can change, but here are the front runners to be recognized at the ArenaBall ceremony later this summer in New Orleans. Offensive Player of the Year 1- QB Clint Dolezel (Dallas Desperados) – When it’s all said and done look for the Desperados to make a ton of noise in the playoffs...And with the playoffs come the accolades...Dolezel currently has the League’s top passer rating (138.9) and has thrown for 984 yards with 25 TDs against just one INT...Is one of the League’s most consistent QBs, so you shouldn’t see much of a drop off as the year goes on. 2- QB Chris Greisen (Georgia Force) – Has been the surprise of ’07 so far...A career backup (ironically spent last season behind Dolezel in Dallas) has finally gotten his shot with the Force and is making the most of his opportunity...Second in passer rating (138.9) after throwing for 1,174 yards with 30 TDs and three INTs...Has also benefited from an outstanding offensive line (has not been sacked this season) and a trio of playmaking receivers. 3- WR Bobby Sippio (Chicago Rush) – Has picked up exactly where he left off in the playoffs last season...Leads the AFL in scoring with 96 points...Has caught 31 passes for 414 yards and 16 TDs...Is really the only receiving threat in Chicago – all other receivers have combined for just four TD receptions. ADT Defensive Player of the Year 1- DB Eddie Moten (Philadelphia Soul) – Probably the most underrated defensive player in the League...Has three INTs (16.5 tackles) in three games and currently has a streak of six consecutive games with at least one pick dating back to last season...Leads the League with 15 pass break ups – which is probably the most telling defensive stat because it shows he’s always around the ball and making plays. 2- DB Jermaine Jones (Dallas Desperados) – Another top defender that has flow under the radar the last few seasons...Is second in the League in pass break ups (7) to go along with a team-leading 24 tackles and three INTs...With Dallas having success in the win column, Jones’ name should be in the mix at the end of the year. 3- DL E.J. Burt (Chicago Rush) – Is tied for the League lead with 4.0 sacks in four games...Has also caused an AFL-high four forced fumbles (two of which have lead to Rush TDs) and added 9.0 tackles and a pass break up...Will also be the top candidate for Lineman of the Year. Ironman of the Year 1- WR/DB Will Pettis (Dallas Desperados) – Is on pace for an unbelievable season...Can be summed up in one word – playmaker...Has totaled 33 catches for 358 yards and 12 TDs as a receiver on offense (also has a rushing score), to go along with 15.5 tackles and two INTs on defense...He’s also been a force on special teams, amassing 342 return yards and a TD. 2- WR/LB Ryan Dennard (Utah Blaze) – Has really come out of nowhere to make a name for himself around the League...Has seen extended playing time on both sides of the ball because of injuries to Siaha Burley, Aaron Boone and Tom Pace...Has made the most of his opportunity with 20 catches for 224 yards and a team-high 10 TDs on offense to go along with 13.5 tackles and an INT on defense. 3- FB/LB Robert Thomas (Colorado Crush) – Has been one of the League’s toughest players through the first four weeks, pulling double-duty as both a fullback and a linebacker...Is second on the team with 13.0 tackles and three pass break ups on defense to go along with five rushing TDs on offense. Lineman of the Year 1- DL E.J. Burt (Chicago Rush) – (See above) 2- DL Greg White (Orlando Predators) – Is tied with Chicago’s E.J. Burt for the League lead with 4.0 sacks (but he’s played just three games after missing last week with an injury)...Is the face of the Predators pass rush (11.0 tackles, including five for loss)...Orlando will get better as the season progress and White’s numbers should improve right along with them. 3- DL Colston Weatherington (Dallas Desperados) – Has gotten off to a slow start (for him)...Is the Desperados’ top pass rusher...In four games this season has 6.5 tackles, 3.0 sacks and two pass break ups. Kicker of the Year 1- A.J. Haglund (San Jose SaberCats) – My surprise player of the year who will likely be in the running for Rookie of the Year as well...Is tied for third in the League in scoring for kickers with 35 points, connecting on 5-of-6 field goals and 20-of-21 PATs...Has missed just two kicks (FGs and PATs) all season...Is familiar with the indoor game after spending the previous two seasons with af2's Oklahoma City...Earned the New Balance af2 Kicker of the Year award last season and established an af2 record for PAT accuracy converting 93.5 percent – look for similar results here in the AFL. 2- Mark Lewis (Austin Wranglers) – Currently leads the AFL in scoring for kickers with 43 points (6-of-9 FG and 25-of-26 PATs)...Will be among the top three kickers statistically at the end of the season...Should be a three horse race for Kicker of the Year honors with Haglund and two-time Kicker of the Year Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles). 3- Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles Avengers) – One of the top kickers in AFL history has won back-to-back Kicker of the Year honors...Has gotten off to a slow start by his standards in ’07 (although the Avengers have already had their bye week), connecting on 18-of-20 PATs and 4-of-8 FGs for 30 points...Look for the Avengers to make some noise around playoff time, giving Hamilton even more scoring opportunities. Rookie of the Year 1- WR Charles Fredrick (Kansas City) – Has been a dual threat for the Brigade both on the ground and through the air – leading the club in both categories (the only player in the AFL to lead his team in both rushing and receiving)...Has 25 catches for 305 yards and four scores to go along with 20 rushes for 74 yards and six TDs on the ground...Comes to the AFL after spending last season with the expansion af2 Spokane Shock and the ’05 season as a member of the NFL’s Detroit Lions. 2- DB Keon Raymond (Nashville) – Has been learning the AFL game on the run...Signed by the Kats after going to training camp with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans last season...Currently leads the Kats with 20 tackles, three INTs and four pass break ups...Should begin to feel even more comfortable in the secondary with the return of veteran DB Monty Montgomery...Expect solid numbers the rest of the way.