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| Joseph Clark, WR, Boston Breakers |
1981 Draft
The Boston Breakers had the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive season. They chose wisely last time around, taking CB Charles Bowles, who was runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year. This time, they took WR Joseph Clark out of North Carolina State.Clark has 87 speed and potentials of 100 in pass catching, route running, bump-and-run avoidance, ball carrying, and avoid fumble. He can also catch kicks (85) and could effectively switch to RB if the Breakers deem it necessary.
The second overall selection was TE Herbert Schuler, who went from Mississippi State to the San Jose SaberCats. Schuler has low volatility (26) and 100 potential in pass catching, route running, bump-and-run avoidance, break tackle, ball carrying, avoid fumble, run blocking, and pass blocking. Add in decent speed (78) and Schuler could become one of the best TE in league history.
The Baltimore Stars took WR Brian Darden with the third pick. The Southern Cal product could end up in the 90s in most categories except speed (85) and break tackle (17).
The draft continues through Thursday.
Free Agency
CB John Borkowski, an All-Pro with the Orlando Renegades last season, sorted through nine offers before signing a one-year, $16.89 million pact with the Portland Storm. Middle linebacker and 1974 league defensive MVP John Cintron, formerly of Shreveport, also signed a one-year deal with the Storm, also for $16.89 million, as did former Arizona Wranglers CB Albert Welsh, an All-Pro in 1977 and '79.Daniel McKee, the 1974 league offensive co-MVP, was allowed to test free agency before re-signing with the Chicago Blitz (3 years, $21.5 million).
RDE Ernest Huggins was courted by 15 teams before deciding on the New Jersey Generals (6 years, $60 million). Twelve teams offered SLB Mike Harmon before he finally signed with the Steamer.
Retirements
Five players, including a two-time World Bowl QB, stood out among the players announcing their retirement before the 1981 season.Antonio Wilson. who led the Memphis Showboats to victories in World Bowl VI and World Bowl VII, finally hung up the cleats at age 37. Wilson was signed by Memphis after being cast aside by the San Jose SaberCats after four seasons, the last two riding the bench. Wilson found new life in Memphis, posting a QBR of 95 or better in each of his three seasons there.
WR William Delatorre averaged 107 catches during his first six seasons, two with the Denver Gold and four with Boston, before finishing up with 35 catches in 1980. He accumulated more than 10,000 yards receiving and 59 TDs, catching 56.6 percent of passes thrown his way. He was traded by Denver to Boston during the 1976 draft in exchange for first- and third-round picks that turned into WR Joseph Dailey (who has twice surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the Gold) and DT Clyde Raines.
Another outstanding receiver to finish up was San Antonio's Donnie Baker. He caught 432 passes for 7,875 yards and 52 TDs, averaging 18.2 yards per catch. Baker was All-Pro in 1974 and '75.
Southern California Sun MLB James Kelley had 663 tackles, 41 sacks, and 162 hurries over seven seasons. The durable linebacker never participated in fewer than 1,000 plays in a season and was All-Pro in 1976, '77, and '78.
Florida Blazers CB Barry Litchford was the No. 2 pick in the 1974 allocation draft. He made 535 tackles and picked off 29 passes in seven seasons and was a 1977 All-Pro.
