2006 Small School two-way stars.

One of the most appealing aspects of Arena Football is
the resurgence of the “two-way” player.  By “two-way”
I mean a player that plays on defense and then has the
ability to immediately jump onto the offensive side of
the ball. Some guys can play offense OR defense,
but it takes a special athlete to play offense AND
defense. There was a time when the NFL had a number of
two-way athletes, such as George Connor who won offensive
and defensive honors in 1951/1952 with the Chicago Bears.
But it’s been years since a true offensive/defensive
player has emerged in the NFL and because of the liability
I’m sure it may never be done again. This is what I love
about Arena, it is a showcase of endurance and athleticism.
To watch players going all out for the love of the game
is very refreshing, I mean, the AFL pay scale isn’t
breaking any records here. Anyway, there are still two-way
stars out there in the small-school ranks and here are
the ones for this season.

RB/CB DE DE DORSEY of NAIA Lindenwood
The most highly decorated player in the HAAC.
Capped a brilliant 2004 season by being named
the HAAC MVP, earning the distinction of being
the first player ever named first team All-HAAC
on both offense (at running back) and on defense
(at defensive back). First team NAIA All-American
on defense, and was also recognized as a first team
All-American on the AFCA College Division II team,
which is comprised of Div. II and NAIA players.

BOBBY BOYER from DII Wayne State in Michigan is a
versatile FS/WR. He was a strong contributor for
I-AA UMass before tranferring back home to be with
his ill mother. Plays bigger than his size, he’s 5’11”
but tops out at only about 170 lbs. This guy
is a disciplined, hard worker that has been All GLIAC
at DB  In ’05 he had 133 receiving yards (16.6y/r),
49 tackles and averaged 20.4 yards/kr.

SS/WR BRET HUGHES from DII Western Oregon is a transfer
from Idaho State that combines speed with great size
(6’1” 225). Not only is he a big hitting DB but he’s
also been a good deep ball receiver  Had a great year in
2004 when he caught 16 passes for 223 yards and one
touchdown on offense, and made 60 tackles and was tied for
the GNAC lead with 4 interceptions.

FRED SHAW, the hard-hitting DB with blazing speed from
DII Central Oklahoma is another DB/WR. At 6’1” 215 he
is a tough player that had 4INTs in 2004 and then was
All LSC at WR in 2005 with 34 catches for 498 yards, averaged
14.6y/r and scored 7TDs. Also made 38 tackles with 3tfl
an INT and 2pbu in ’05. Has tied the DII record with 100
yard INT return for a TD.

RICARLO ROSS is a CB/RB from DII West Virginia Tech.
He is a fast and athletic player that stands 5’10” 190.
In one game Ricarlo had 124 KR yards (including a 90-yard TD),
rushed for 124 yards and had four tackles on defense.

CB JOSH ARMSTRONG from DIII Linfield has great agility
and quickness. He was All-NWC as a punt returner and WR
(34 passes for 404 yards and five TDs) in 2003 and as a
DB in ‘05. Missed the 2004 season due to an injury.
Josh is also an excellent baseball player for the
Linfield team. I guess I’m going against my own rule here
because I don’t think he has ever played DB and WR in the
same season, but I don’t doubt that he’s capable of doing it.

The 6’3” 300 pound Joe Clark from DII West Georgia has great
experience at both DL and OL. As a freshman he had 39
tackles and 10 tfl at the DT position. He is currently on
the roster for the Rome Renegades of the American Indoor
Football League.