UFL Access had the pleasure of receiving a minute of former UNC fullback and Locomotives player Bobby Rome‘s time. Rome has had a busy number of weeks, having just signed with the UFL Las Vegas squad officially on Monday, and putting together his own upcoming sports combine in conjunction with 1st String Sports.
The “1st Annual Sports Agent Combine” will be held in Virginia Beach, Virginia on August 6th, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The combine will give prospective pro football players a chance to showcase their talents in front of a group of agents and team representatives, and will feature a number of points of emphasis including the 40 yard dash, shuttle, verticle jump, various combine workouts, and one-on-ones. Access caught up with Rome to receive the inside track on how the combine was shaping up, and to gauge his thoughts on the United Football League and Jim Fassel’s Las Vegas Locomotives.
UFLA: “What inspired you to put together the Sports Agent Combine?”
Bobby Rome: “Well I wanted to give others an opportunity to be seen by scouts and agents. I figured it could be my way of giving back to the community.”
UFLA: “How many players do you expect will attend on August 6th?”
Rome: “There is going to be a lot of talent of there, I’m getting calls from as far as Ohio.”
UFLA: “We know you’ve indicated that a rep from the UFL Norfolk team will be hand. What are the three Arena Football Teams that have confirmed their attendance? Also, any additional team representatives or agents of note you’d like to share with us?”
Rome: “Well I heard from the Richmond Raiders, Baltimore Mariners, Tampa Bay Storm, Alvin Keels (one of the best agents in the country, he’s working hard on Big Mount Cody’s contract [Ed Note: Former Alabama nose guard Terrence Cody]). Robert Walker, my agent, will be there to scout talent. I talked to James Sperno, the owner of the Norfolk UFL team, and he’s going to send Doug Williams as well. Finally, the founder of AIFA football, John Morris, has confirmed his attendance just this week.”
UFLA: “Do you have any former UNC players or high school teammates attending or assisting with the event?”
Rome: “No, I’m working with 1st Strings Sports out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Anthony Stringfield, he played for the Norfolk Nighthawks some time ago when Norfolk had an Arena team. Now he trains some of the best talent in the area.”
UFLA: “How supportive have friends and family been in helping you put together this combine?”
Rome: “Yes, I’m getting help from my fiance Gabriel Taylor and my partner Anthony Stringfield…. and a lot of marketing teams.” [laughs]
UFLA: “The combine event logo reads “1st Annual Sports Agent Combine.” We assume this of course means there are already plans to host the event again in the coming years? If so, will it continue to be hosted in the Virginia Beach area?”
Rome: “Yeah, it’s something that we are looking to do year after year, and yes, I want to keep it here in the 757, there’s too much overlooked talent here.”
UFLA: “You officially signed with the Las Vegas Locos on Monday. What was it like for you to take that step into professional football via the UFL?”
Rome: “It felt great, felt just like when I signed with Green Bay. I’m very happy and ready to prove that I’m ready for the big show.”
UFLA: “What’s your opinion of the level of talent in the UFL currently?”
Rome: [laughs] “Everyone there played in the NFL.”
UFLA: “As you know, the Locos won the UFL Championship in season one under the guidance of Coach Jim Fassel. What are your thoughts on playing under a former NFL coach of his caliber? How do you see yourself contributing to a run at a back-to-back title in Vegas?”
Rome: “Well I’m very blessed to be getting coached by Jim Fassel, he is a great coach. I think I can help this football team in many ways. I want to bring another ring back to Vegas.”
UFLA: “Your hometown is Norfolk, Va. and you played at Granby High School. How good do you think the reception in the area will be for the UFL Norfolk team in 2011?”
Rome: “People up in Virginia are pumped! They can’t wait for it to get here. I think it’s a great thing. Again, I talked to James Sperno yesterday, he is very excited as well. I can hear it in his voice, he’s a great guy.”
[End Interview]
We wish Bobby all the best in his endeavors with the combine and in his efforts under Coach Fassel with the Las Vegas Locomotives this season. For more information on the 1st Annual Sports Agent Combine, visit the Facebook event page, head over to First String Sports, or follow Bobby Rome’s Twitter.
Early registration for just $85 is valid before July 30th. After July 30th and up until the day of the combine registration is $100. Questions can be directed to 1stannualsportsagentcombine@gmail.com.