ESPN AFL

After a rough 2006 season and a horrible start in 2007, the Storm finally turned things around last year at midseason, winning eight of their last nine games and becoming the team that nobody wanted to play. This proud franchise has five AFL championships under its belt and even when the Storm are down they don't stay there for long. They have a new owner in Dr. Bob Nucci, who has local roots, and the entire organization has great stability, loyal employees and a time-tested formula for success.

Coaches and front office

Tim Marcum wears all the hats in this organization: head coach, GM, director of FB operations. He is a charter member of the AFL Hall of Fame and he runs every facet of Storm. Pat O'Hara is the offensive coordinator, Dave Ewart handles the line and carries the assistant head coach title, and Eddie Vowell coaches the FB/LBs and special teams -- but Marcum calls all the shots. This is a cohesive staff that knows its roles and responsibilities.

Key players

QB Brett Dietz -- After beginning 2007 as the backup, Dietz came on strong in the second half and was voted the co-rookie of the year in the AFL, throwing for 2,395 yards and 47 TDs with a flashy 119.3 QB rating. He heads into 2008 with loads of confidence and a deep group of receivers, which should add up to big production.

WRs Lawrence Samuels, Terrill Shaw, David Saunders and Hank Edwards -- This is the deepest group in the AFL and all have size and experience. Samuels led the team with 122 receptions a year ago and had 15 TD receptions while Shaw caught 101 passes and had 24 TDs. Saunders caught 68 passes for Columbus last season and is an excellent red zone target, and Edwards caught seven TD passes and has the size to be a bigger contributor.

WR/RS Sedrick Robinson -- He played for Austin in 2007 and put up modest receiving numbers, but Robinson has value in the return game and is the league's all-time leader with 20 return TDs.

FB/LB Torrance Marshall -- He is a force in short-yardage offensive situations and posted an eye-popping 17 rushing TDs in 2007.

DB Jeroid Johnson -- He is the star of the Storm's defense and the ultimate playmaker. Johnson recorded 96 tackles and 10 interceptions in 2007 and always seems to be around the ball.

DLs Tom Briggs and Tim McGill -- They are not flashy but Briggs and McGill are steady run defenders and decent sack guys, as each had five a year ago.

DBs Khalid Naziruddin and Traco Rachal -- They don't get the publicity that Johnson does, but they are good tacklers and combined for 138 stops a year ago. They are solid guys who don't make many mistakes.

FB Kevin Clemens -- A veteran who could allow Marshall to play exclusively at LB.

PK Seth Marler -- Solid and consistent, posted 140 points a year ago.

Players to watch

On a roster loaded with experience and depth it will be tough for young players to make their mark, but there are three young guys who have a chance to be productive. LB Terrance Royal is an excellent pass-rusher and posted 19.5 sacks a year ago in the AIFA. DB Bryant Tisdale is a sleeper who seems to have good instincts and ball skills and rookie WR Tyrone Timmons is a big target with good athletic ability and recovery skills. Timmons could become a decent red zone option but Tampa has a very deep group of receivers and he may have trouble getting quality playing time.

Outlook

A year ago, the Storm were a team that no one wanted to play in the second half of the season. After a horrible start they won eight of their last nine games and were the hottest team in the AFL entering the playoffs. Tampa suffered no significant offseason losses and has added some quality free agents, and this may be the deepest roster in the league with competition at every position.

Brett Dietz was the starter at quarterback during the second half of last season and is poised for a huge season thanks to some quality targets at wide receiver. Head coach Tim Marcum does a great job of keeping his team together through the rough spots, and that has made the Storm a very resilient group. Tampa Bay doesn't dazzle you statistically but does play smart football and limits game-changing mistakes. Look for the defense to be solid but not flashy, and the offense will be more explosive than last year when it ranked 18th in scoring. The Storm have the look of a division winner and a playoff team with depth, experience, and confidence, and if they get off to a quick start they will be tough to stop.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.