THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 30, 1995 TAG: 9504300203
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHRIS CATALDI, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
The Hampton Roads Sharks, defending champions of the Southeastern Division of the Mason-Dixon Football League, took the first step toward the 1995 season Saturday with an NFL-style combine for 30 veteran and invited players at Union-Kempsville Stadium.
The 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, 225-pound bench press, vertical jump and standing broad jump were among the drills on which players were judged. Former William and Mary standout Shawn Knight was on hand to help Sharks coach Red Stickney evaluate talent.
Sampson Jackson, Rodney Baylor, Joe Bryant, George Foreman and Charles Mott figure to be the Sharks' top guns.
Sampson, who recently returned from the Miami Dolphins' camp, is widely acclaimed as the strongest and most talented player. While his chances of making an NFL team are slim, the 350-pound sailor plays for the love of the game.
``I like playing with the guys and for coach Stickney,'' he said. ``I'm stationed on the USS Enterprise, so I'll always be in the area and with the Sharks. They have a coach and staff who care about people, and I'm getting a little old for the NFL.''
Baylor, a former Norfolk State defensive end, is currently negotiating with the Baltimore team of the CFL.
A Baylor-Jackson combination would give the Sharks a solid 1-2 package on the defensive line.
``I'd hate to lose him, but, the goal is for our players to have the opportunity to play the highest possible league,'' Sharks president Dr. T.J. Morgan said.
Bryant, also from Norfolk State, turned in a time of 4.88 in the 40-yard dash, and is slated as the starting quarterback.
Foreman, named after the heavyweight champion, will try to balance his part-time job as a bouncer while anchoring the offensive line.
TRYOUT SLATED: The Sharks will hold a open tryout at Union-Kempsville Stadium at noon Saturday.
TICKET INFO: Sharks ticket outlets are Virginia Beach Sports and the Burgh Place. Season tickets are on sale at the Sharks offices, 332 Lynn Shores Drive in Virginia Beach. The phone is 463-6741. by CNB