LAS VEGAS (AFLWA) – Offensive specialist Damian Harrell and defensive specialist Rashad Floyd probably will be two major reasons if the Colorado Crush repeats as the Arena Football League champion.

Harrell was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year and Floyd the top defender in voting by members of the Arena Football League Writers Association (AFLWA).

Last season, Harrell caught 122 passes for 1,486 yards with 41 touchdowns. Floyd made 129.5 tackles and three interceptions.

Los Angeles Avengers kicker Remy Hamilton was named preseason Special Teams Player of the Year. He scored 185 points, converting 29 of 39 field goals and 98 of 108 extra points.

Philadelphia Soul wide receiver/linebacker J.J. McKelvey was selected preseason Rookie of the Year. He played for the Manchester Wolves of the af2 last season, totaling 1,454 yards and 44 touchdowns receiving.

The quarterback for the preseason All-AFL Team went to Mark Grieb of the San Jose SaberCats. Will Pettis of the Dallas Desperados made the squad at wide receiver/defensive back and returner, and teammate Duke Pettijohn, was the choice at fullback/linebacker. The Tampa Bay Storm's Lawrence Samuels was selected at wide receiver/linebacker.

Filling out the offensive and defensive line were B.J. Cohen of the Kansas City Brigade, Silas Demary of the Avengers and Jermaine Smith of the Georgia Force.

Kahlil Carter of the Nashville Kats joined Floyd at defensive specialist.

The AFLWA, founded at the start of the 2004 season, is a national organization made up of media members who cover the Arena Football League. Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal is the AFLWA's founder and executive director.