Storm Backs Get More Super
NASHVILLE- The Nashville Storm is one of the most successful developmental football franchises in the country. Last season they won their first Gridiron Developmental Football League championships in only their second year in the league. The win added to multiple championships in different leagues.
The Storm went into the season with a question at quarterback. Their all-time leading passer Phellepe "Pay" Hall planned to come out of retirement and play one more season. Hall was gunned down in December of 2014. Their starting quarterback in 2014 Zach Ducker suffered a season ending injury playing for arena football team the Nashville Venom. The Storm went with two rookie quarterbacks in Zac Tate and Demarcus Simons.
"We went out and made sure we had our running game on point," said Storm head coach Charles Hunter. "In the championship game especially we used every back we had and they carried us to the victory. We used about seven guys during the season and it worked out."
The running backs coach last season was Developmental Football League Hall of Famer Johnathan "Bama" Carter. Carter gave nickname of his group "The Superbacks". Carter put his backs threw a rigorous training regiment. The group ran for a combined 2682 yards and 30 touchdowns. In the championship game leading rusher Keon Bohannon rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown and Randall Toney scored two touchdowns.
The 40 year old Carter, has always kept himself in a good shape, is arguable one of the most intense coaches you ever want to meet. He has now traded in his whistle and donned his pads. Carter made it official at the first Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this past Sunday.
"I am a no-nonsense guy so I didn't want much hoopla." said Carter. "Pay and some of the guys wanted to play one more year together. Once he passed away most of them decided not to play. I got myself back in shape and decided to take one more run at it. This offensive line is one of the best in the history of our level. I can't wait to run behind them."
Hunter has now added running backs' coach to his duties with the team. Carter will get his feet wet before season while playing with the Franklin Panthers of the Middle Tennessee Football League this spring. Carter feels he just needs to work on his cardiovascular and he will be ready. Hunter while excited about Carter's return is not going to hand him the starting job.
"We talked and he knows we have some guys that are excellent players," said Hunter. "I have no doubt that he will work his tail off. All of our backs will have to run, block and catch the ball. With me coaching them we will see how super they are."
