Former Dallas Cowboy Joins San Angelo Bandits Coaching Staff

Saturday afternoon, about two-dozen potential walk-ons to play for the San Angelo Bandits indoor arena football team participated in try-outs at the San Angelo Stadium football field. Head Coach Joey Longoria said that he was pleased with the interest and turnout. This was the first official Bandits event for the new offensive coordinator as well.

Former Dallas Cowboy Solomon Page agreed to join the San Angelo Bandits organization as the Offense Coordinator. 

Page was a tackle at the University of West Virginia. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played at Dallas for four seasons, starting at tackle his last three. In 2003, Page signed with the San Diego Chargers and appeared in eight games for them.

Central High School’s 2014 quarterback Braden Hucks, who led his team three games deep into the UIL state playoffs last year, was on hand as a spectator and volunteer, part-time ball handler. Hucks has committed to attend and play football at the U.S. Air Force Academy next year.

Longoria wasn’t sure how many new players will be selected today, but he was pleased with the turnout. Last year, about seven new players were selected out of the open tryouts. Page said that getting local players was important for teams like the Bandits and they will generate more local interest. “This is a sunrise and sunset team. The young guys will play here to move up to a higher league, and older players will stop through San Angelo before final retirement,” he said.

Many of last year’s stars have moved up to the Indoor Football League, which both coaches see as a feather in their hat. “If a player is successful here and gets to move up in his career, that means more players will be attracted to the Bandits organization,” Longoria said.

The entire Bandits coaching staff, including the new OC, will be on hand at Concho’s Downtown, 125 East Concho Avenue, after the tryouts Saturday at approximately 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to stop by and meet them.