VENOM SIGN TWO EX-CSU PLAYERS
The Colorado Venom of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
has finalized its roster by adding two former CSU football
players.
Nicholas Bennett, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman most
recently played for the Northern Colorado Wolfpack, a
semi-professional team in the Colorado Football Conference. He
started three games, blocked two field goals and tallied three
sacks and seven tackles in a single game.
Because of his recent play, the Wolfpack coaching staff informed
the Venom front office about the skilled lineman, which turned into
a tryout invitation from head coach Ron Mondt.
Bennett played with the Rams from 1999-2002 as an
offensive/defensive lineman and was part of the Liberty Bowl teams
from 2000-2002.
“My experience at CSU was some of the best moments of my life so
far,” Bennett said. “Even though I didn’t get much playing time, I
still enjoyed every game and used it to my advantage.”
Bennett is probably not remembered by many for his play with
CSU, but he hopes to create an exciting atmosphere for CSU students
wanting to see indoor football during the summer. He talked about
the differences between indoor football and college ball saying,
“Indoor football is a much faster game because of the shorter
field, whereas college (football) is more of a team game.
“College focuses more on the team aspect, but indoor football is
like, you see a lot more individual play. Indoor is still a lot
about team effort for sure, but the skilled players have a bigger
advantage.”
Bennett also expressed his appreciation for the Venom coaching
staff and his recent contract agreement.
“I haven’t had a chance to sit and really talk with him yet,”
Bennett said. “But he is a very trustworthy man and he has been
working hard with everyone on the team.”
Bennett said he has been preparing himself for the March 13
season opener by lifting weights somewhere between 90 to 120
minutes a day.
Preparations have also been increasing and ongoing for Mondt as
two Fort Collins High School football coaches were added to the
coaching staff. Eric Rice and Jason McCleary signed contracts just
one day following open tryouts two weeks ago.
“They would have been signed the same day (of tryouts), but they
didn’t realize we were already expecting them to sign with us,”
said Barry Rubenstein, director of communications for the
Venom.
Mike Walker, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound wide receiver most recently
played with the CFC Champion Denver Titans, which is owned by
Bronco Hall of Famer John Elway. Walker played one season for the
Rams as a walk-on wide receiver but ended up with a starting
position on special teams. He graduated in 2003 with a journalism
degree in public relations. A native of Colorado, Walker attended
Standley Lake High School in Westminster.
The Venom start their first season on the road against the Utah
Warriors and will hold their first home game at the Budweiser
Events Center on April 3 against the Lincoln Capitols. Colorado is
the fourth team in the South Pacific Division in the Pacific
Conference.
For more information on the Venom, the NIFL and for a complete
season schedule, visit www.nationalindoorfootballleague.net.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.