Former Trojans signed to NIFL

Greg Phillips, sports co-editor
posted on April 20, 2006

Two former Troy Trojans are making waves in indoor football.
The Arkansas Stars of the National Indoor Football League signed former Trojan quarterback D.T. McDowell and former Trojan walk-on kicker Stephen Arnold to contracts last week.
McDowell, who led the Trojans in 2004 to their first bowl appearance in school history, is expected to start immediately for the Stars.
“I watched D.T. play a little [in 2004], and when I saw he wasn’t going to be able to [keep his grades up], I found a couple of contacts, made a few phone calls and asked him if he wanted to come up for a tryout,” said Ron Hargrave, the Stars’ owner and chief executive officer.
“He came in and impressed immediately. He’ll make a heck of an impact right off the bat, and he’ll probably start for us this week [at Monroe],” added Hargrave. “Both his scrambling and his arm are great, and those things are important, especially in arena football.”
Arnold, meanwhile, is still a student at Troy.
He walked on for the Trojans last spring, but didn’t make the cut in the fall.
“When the fall came, I didn’t get any pads or anything. I guess they figured since [Greg] Whibbs had the job, they didn’t need me out there,” Arnold said.
Montgomery Maulers owner Jamie LaMunyon first contacted Arnold about the Stars’ tryout.
“I found out about the Stars through the Montgomery team owner. I went and tried out and made the team,” Arnold said.
The junior psychology major has already made a major impact on the Stars.
“He won the game for us last week against Lincoln,” Hargrave said. “We were tied with less than 10 seconds left, and he kicked it right down the middle and got us the [48-47] win.”
“It felt great to win the game last week,” Arnold said. “It was a team effort, and they put me in position to win the game, but it still was a great feeling. I had never won a game before [with a last-second kick], and this being my first professional game, it couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Hargrave said Arnold is the answer to the Stars’ special teams struggles.
“We’ve been having problems with kickers. He walked onto the field and did real good. In fact, he connected on 100 percent of his kicks, except one missed extra point, which was because of a botched hold,” Hargrave said.
“The Stars have treated me great so far. The whole team and coaches have welcomed me with open arms and made it a point to congratulate me after the game,” Arnold said.
Arnold, who is enrolled as a full-time student, said balancing school and football won’t be a problem.
“I balance school and football by making sure I have all my deadlines met before doing anything football-related. It really isn’t that bad, at least at this time,” said Arnold.
“Also, they have worked with my schedule and given me the top equipment.”
The NIFL and similar leagues could provide opportunities for many former and current Trojans who didn’t or won’t get the opportunity to try out for NFL squads.
“A lot of pretty good players just don’t get the opportunities they deserve. They can get those, especially in the arena leagues,” Hargrave said.
Troy produces many players with next-level ability, Hargrave said.
“We’ve got our eyes on a few more Troy players as well, but I can’t name any names until everything is finalized. There are a lot of good athletes down there.”