Get ready for AAFL football

Simply put, it's Team Florida.

There's no nickname for the All-American Football League's Florida franchise, which will make its debut April 12. But there are players and a coach and optimism that the league will succeed by connecting former college players with franchises in college towns.

Former Florida quarterback Shane Matthews was introduced as the franchise's first coach. Matthews vowed he will run the Fun 'n' Gun offense, about 90 percent what he learned from former coach Steve Spurrier and 10 percent what he learned from 14 seasons as an NFL quarterback.

"I've always wanted to be a college football coach because I love the passion and loyalty of college football," Matthews said. "And this is kind of in-between college, it's college football playing with professionals."

The six-team league will include franchises in Arkansas, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas and Alabama. The 10-game season will conclude with a championship game on July 3.

Games will be played under college rules and the franchise must carry at least 10 Florida graduates. Plus, all players are required to attain at least a bachelor's degree.

That motivated former Florida running back Ran Carthon to make a trip to the Florida office of student life Wednesday. Carthon, six credits shy of a degree in sociology, is interested in playing for the Florida franchise next season.

Carthon was cut from the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad last season and has spent the fall as a running backs and special teams coach at North Miami High School.

"I was thinking of pursuing coaching," Carthon said. "And you know, in order to be a coach at any level you have to have a college degree. It kind of just further pushed me to try to get my degree."

Team Florida has secured home dates at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for April 26, May 17 and May 31. The franchise has yet to determine where it will play its other two home dates, though Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa have expressed interest. A representative from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa was at the team's introductory press conference Wednesday.

Team chairman Lee McGriff said the franchise has an idea of "three or four" practice sites, but none will involve Florida facilities. The team will hold a three-week training camp before the season opener to whittle down 60 invitees to a roster of 42 players. Four additional players will be kept on a practice squad.

"This team will be in Gainesville, a part of this community," McGriff said. "We'll practice here, but the only thing that they will use at the University of Florida is The Swamp."

Players who signed contracts Wednesday included former Florida receivers Chris Doering, Travis McGriff, Willie Jackson, former cornerback Fred Weary and former center Steve Rissler, a member of the 2006 national title team. The Dallas Cowboys cut Rissler before training camp in July.

"I wanted to stay in shape in case I got another call from the NFL," Rissler said. "Then I heard about this league and said, 'I'm here, why not go play at The Swamp?'"

Rissler said he's called former Florida offensive line teammate Randy Hand, who was cut last week by the Buffalo Bills.

Matthews said he's received several calls asking about tryouts and is confident he'll fill his roster with the talent needed to compete for a league championship. Players will receive $50,000 for the 10-week season.

"Our team is going to be made up of more than just Florida guys," Matthews said. "So we have a slough of guys to choose from from Miami to Florida State to South Florida to Central Florida all the other schools.

"We're going to take 60 guys to camp, the best 60 that we can find. We're going to be fast and physical. And out of that 60, 42 will make the roster, and we'll go from there."

Former Florida coaches Jim Collins (defensive coordinator) and Jerry "Red" Anderson (defensive line) will serve on Matthews' staff. Former Florida running back Terry Jackson was hired as running backs coach.

A quarterback has yet to be signed, though one was there to provide moral support. Former Florida 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, a close friend and former NFL teammate of Matthews, attended the introductory press conference.

Wuerffel thinks Matthews will make a smooth transition from player to coach. "He's got a great offensive mind," Wuerffel said. "A lot like Spurrier. Not your typical coach. He'll let other people coach the defense, let other people handle some details. He'll be really engaged with the offense. I think he'll do well."

Contact Kevin Brockway at 352-374-5054 or brockwk@gvillesun.com.