Locos’ minicamp strides top Fassel’s expectations

Nobody associated with the Locomotives would complain if training camp began today instead of Aug. 16.

In the assessment of coach Jim Fassel, that’s how successful the United Football League team’s three-day minicamp was at Sam Boyd Stadium. Fassel said it exceeded his expectations as the franchise begins the quest to successfully defending its league championship.

“I couldn’t be more pleased,” Fassel said Sunday. “I loved the enthusiasm. I loved the effort. Everyone came in prepared and in shape to participate.

“I thought we laid a strong foundation for the season. The new guys now know what we expect and the returning guys did a great job of setting the tone.”

Among the 70 players, 41 are newcomers and more arrivals are likely before camp opens in Las Vegas depending on early cuts from NFL camps. The players likely came away with a reasonable understanding of what the Locos will look like on the field when they open Sept. 17 against Florida.

“We threw a lot at them,” Fassel said. “I was a little surprised at how well the new guys picked things up. That can only make us a better football team.”

Michael Ray Garvin, a former Florida State cornerback and kick returner, said the minicamp had an NFL feel to it. He was chosen by Las Vegas in the second round of the UFL Draft on June 3.

“I thought it went great,” said Garvin, who spent some time with the Detroit Lions last year. “I was impressed with how professional everything was, how everyone got along and how hard everyone worked. I’m excited about our team.”

Marcel Shipp, the team’s top returning running back, said having the minicamp puts the Locos ahead of where they were at this time last year.

“At least two weeks (ahead),” he said. “Getting together earlier and familiarizing ourselves with the system helped a lot. We jelled together well.”

Fassel reported no serious injuries at the minicamp, and now he wants the players to maintain their conditioning.

“The last thing I told them was to make sure they stay in shape and come to camp ready to go to work,” he said. “We’re going to use these last three days as an opportunity to move forward, not have to go back and re-teach what we did out here this week.”

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.