Locomotives release protected roster for 2010 season
Former UNLV wide receiver Casey Flair among those not protected by Las Vegas
Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
Las Vegas Locomotives defensive end Adrian Awasom jumps on a fumble before Florida Tuskers tackle Seth Wand can get to it in a game at Sam Boyd Stadium. Awasom was among the 20 players protected for next season.
Thursday, April 15, 2010 | 1:20 p.m.
The Las Vegas Locomotives announced their list of protected players for the upcoming 2010 United Football League season Wednesday afternoon.
The Locomotives, champions of the inaugural UFL season last year, were able to protect 20 players from the upcoming UFL expansion draft.
Among those protected were standouts from last year like running back Marcel Shipp, receiver Andrae Thurman, linebacker Teddy Lehman and cornerback Wale Dada.
"I've always believed in getting my guys and staying together," Las Vegas coach Jim Fassel said. "But when you have expansion, you have to stock the other teams."
The UFL will expand from four to six teams next year. One of the new franchises will be in Omaha, Neb., while the other will likely land in either San Antonio or Salt Lake City.
Two of the Locomotives most productive offensive threats from last year, quarterback J.P. Losman and running back DeDe Dorsey, will not return because they signed NFL contracts.
Losman now plays for the Oakland Raiders, while Dorsey signed a deal with the Detroit Lions. Shipp will take over as the featured back for Las Vegas, while former NFL quarterback Tim Rattay will be the signal caller.
Notable names left off the protected list include wide receiver Casey Flair, a former UNLV standout, and cornerback Isaiah Trufant, who set up the game-winning field goal in the championship game with an interception.
"At the end of the day, the guys you don't end up protecting are the guys who were backup players and the team that selects them is looking for them to start for them," Fassel said. "At the end of the day, it's good for everybody. The other guy can go to another team and start."
Below is the full list of protected players.
Offense: Tight end Adam Bergen, center Jesse Boone, tackle Brandon Baxton, guard Frank Davis, wide receiver Tab Perry, quarterback Tim Rattay, running back Marcel Shipp, wide receiver Andrae Thurman, lineman Tavares Washington
Defense: Defensive end Adrian Awasom, cornerback Wale Dada, safety Marcus Hamilton, defensive end Eric Henderson, linebacker Teddy Lehman, linebacker Brandon Moore, lineman Lauvale Sape, cornerback Brandon Sumrall, linebacker Brian Toal, safety Nick Turnbull, safety Trey Young