Nation86
06-28-2009, 12:26 PM
Former PRCC star set to play in new UFL
By JASON MUNZ
Former Pearl River Community College wide receiver Larry Brackins has traveled down many a path during his career since being drafted in 2005.
Brackins, a Dothan, Ala., native, was chosen in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was released about six weeks later.
The following year, he was signed by the Bucs as a free agent. Six-and-a-half months later, Brackins was unemployed once again.
Undaunted, the 6-foot-4, 221-pounder found work in the Arena Football League. In two seasons with the Philadelphia Soul, Brackins caught 163 passes for 2,181 yards and 49 touchdowns. He even won an ArenaBowl championship in 2008 with the Soul.
But the economic downturn caused the AFL to suspend the 2009 season. Brackins was once again forced to look elsewhere for work.
"My first reaction was, I was shocked," he said. "I didn't know why. I was just hoping something else would come through for me."
Brackins was initially planning to play in Canada, but the NFL came calling again. This time, the New York Jets signed him. He was released less than two weeks later.
Now, Brackins hopes, he's finally found a home. The former first-team NJCAA All-American was drafted last week by the San Francisco franchise in the newly-formed United Football League.
The UFL has yet to release a schedule, but plans to debut in October. Nevertheless, Brackins is excited about the future.
"I'm very excited," he said. "I'm just happy to get another chance to play football, because it's something I love to do."
UFL games will be played outdoors using NFL rules. The goal is to sign players who just missed making NFL rosters. Players will be able to sign with NFL teams after the short season - which is scheduled to end Thanksgiving weekend - but not during it.
Brackins said he worked out for each of the four UFL teams recently in Orlando, Fla., where he was also interviewed and evaluated by coaches from around the league, including San Francisco's head coach Dennis Green.
Green was a head coach in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and, most recently, the Arizona Cardinals.
"I did a couple of interviews with coaches and the league personnel," Brackins said. "There were a few coaches I talked to - Dennis Green, (former Philadelphia Soul head coach) Bret Munsey."
Despite his excitement, Brackins said his primary goal is to return to the NFL.
"I just hope the league lasts," he said. "I just hope I get an opportunity to play a lot and catch of lot of touchdowns. I just want to try to get back to the NFL, mainly that's what I want to do. Work hard, and hopefully I can get back in the league."
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090628/SPORTS/906280358/-1/rss01
By JASON MUNZ
Former Pearl River Community College wide receiver Larry Brackins has traveled down many a path during his career since being drafted in 2005.
Brackins, a Dothan, Ala., native, was chosen in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was released about six weeks later.
The following year, he was signed by the Bucs as a free agent. Six-and-a-half months later, Brackins was unemployed once again.
Undaunted, the 6-foot-4, 221-pounder found work in the Arena Football League. In two seasons with the Philadelphia Soul, Brackins caught 163 passes for 2,181 yards and 49 touchdowns. He even won an ArenaBowl championship in 2008 with the Soul.
But the economic downturn caused the AFL to suspend the 2009 season. Brackins was once again forced to look elsewhere for work.
"My first reaction was, I was shocked," he said. "I didn't know why. I was just hoping something else would come through for me."
Brackins was initially planning to play in Canada, but the NFL came calling again. This time, the New York Jets signed him. He was released less than two weeks later.
Now, Brackins hopes, he's finally found a home. The former first-team NJCAA All-American was drafted last week by the San Francisco franchise in the newly-formed United Football League.
The UFL has yet to release a schedule, but plans to debut in October. Nevertheless, Brackins is excited about the future.
"I'm very excited," he said. "I'm just happy to get another chance to play football, because it's something I love to do."
UFL games will be played outdoors using NFL rules. The goal is to sign players who just missed making NFL rosters. Players will be able to sign with NFL teams after the short season - which is scheduled to end Thanksgiving weekend - but not during it.
Brackins said he worked out for each of the four UFL teams recently in Orlando, Fla., where he was also interviewed and evaluated by coaches from around the league, including San Francisco's head coach Dennis Green.
Green was a head coach in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and, most recently, the Arizona Cardinals.
"I did a couple of interviews with coaches and the league personnel," Brackins said. "There were a few coaches I talked to - Dennis Green, (former Philadelphia Soul head coach) Bret Munsey."
Despite his excitement, Brackins said his primary goal is to return to the NFL.
"I just hope the league lasts," he said. "I just hope I get an opportunity to play a lot and catch of lot of touchdowns. I just want to try to get back to the NFL, mainly that's what I want to do. Work hard, and hopefully I can get back in the league."
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090628/SPORTS/906280358/-1/rss01