Minor League Team with NFL Attitude! Based out of Bladen County, NC For many players, the Carolina Bengals provide a chance to remain in a sport they revere. For others, it is chance to resurrect a stagnant career. Brown also helps put together highlight tapes for players who desire to advance beyond semipro, perhaps to college or a professional league.

March is when Brown begins to assemble the squad, with tryouts tailored like the NFL Combine, to assess speed in 40 yards – 10-yard sprints for linemen – in vertical and broad jumps and 225-pound bench press repetitions. We use this mostly to see who has quick feet or quick hands. Starting in April, the Carolina Bengals also will hold at least twice weekly practices: The aim is to have 30 full workouts before the season opener.

Practice times are built around work schedules, meaning 5 to 7 p.m. Days to be determined.