Garnet and Great

The Greatest Seminole Receiver You've Probably Never Heard Of

Damian Harrell ('95-'97) achieved his greatness only after moving on to the pro ranks. And by Arena League standards, they don't come any greater:

• Set new AFL record for total touchdowns (61) and receiving touchdowns (60)
• Set a new AFL record for single season points scored (366)
• Tied the AFL record for consecutive games scoring a touchdown (65)
• Named the AFL's 2006 Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season
• Named to the AFL's All-Arena First Team for the second consecutive season

Only injuries and names like Peter Warrick and Laveranues Coles kept Damian from setting records at FSU. Check out his big-time leaping catches in this Colorado Crush highlight reel.

"He's got the best hands I've ever seen in a receiver." -John Elway

Beyond talent, Damian's a guy we can be proud wore the Garnet and Gold. In this era of T.O. tantrums and all-about-me egos, he's grateful just to have made it this far. Especially after surviving everything from being literally struck by lightning to season-ending injuries.

In fact, Damian's personal mantra seems to be simply, "I'm blessed." As you'll hear in our exclusive 3-minute interview.

3 Out Of 4 Noles Play In CFL Kickoff

The Canadian Football League kicked off its 66th season June 17 and 18 with four former Noles on CFL rosters.

The old pro of the group is Danny McManus ('84-'87), starting his 17th season in the 12-man league. Danny may be Calgary's backup QB, but he's a bona fide CFL legend. His 52,779 yards is second all-time in league history. However, the 41-year old McManus didn't play in Calgary's opening day win vs. Edmonton. (Here's more on Danny and his new role from the Calgary Herald.)

Tay Cody ('97 - 2000) enters his second season up North. Tay was instrumental in Hamilton's strong showing in a close loss against Toronto. His five tackles and aggressive play against WR's was reminiscent of when he roamed the field at Doak, winning consensus All-American honors in 2000. 

Reggie Durden, who played only two years as a DB for the Noles ('98 and '99), had two tackles in Edmonton's loss at Calgary. The five-year CFL vet was dealt to the Eskimos, last year's Grey Cup Champs, during the off-season. Reggie wears a rare sports collectible: a 2001 XFL Championship Ring from his season with the L.A. Xtreme.

Stanford Samuels (2000 - '03) might have earned even more playing time at DB for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His stats include a blocked punt, INT,and two tackles in the Bombers loss at Montreal. Stanford made a big impression in '05, his rookie season, ringing up 62 tackles, two interceptions and a blocked punt.

Join the NFL and see the World

  Former Noles Claudius Osei and Xavier Beitia spent their Spring touring the continent. But instead of checking out castles, they were playing in the NFL Europe.

Osei was the starting Free Safety for the Hamburg Sea Devils, which turned around a winless season by taking their last three games. Claudius finished with 33 tackles, including six on special teams.

Former teammate Beitia was the leading scorer for the Berlin Thunder. The X-Man had 48 total points,hitting on nine of thirteen FG attempts (with 47 yds. his longest) and 21 of 21 PATs. Next up for Beitia: attempting to win the Bucs PK job during pre-season camp.