ALBANY, GA -- The Albany Panthers held tryouts Saturday for their upcoming season.

“We have 35 guys working out here today and we're looking to fill eight roster spots. We have 27 guys under contract. There are guys of all shapes and sizes trying to make out team,” says General Manager Will Carter.

The men came from all over the region to get a chance at becoming a Panther. “Tennessee, Alabama; there are guys from all over trying to make the team, so it's exciting to see this kind of turnout,” says Carter.

Last year the Panthers were division champs, but fell a little short in the playoffs. Carter says the team is hoping to make it all the way this season. “Our goal is to win a championship and bring a championship to the city of Albany and so we want to bring guys on that can play and are good guys on and off the field,” says Carter.

And the players were excited to be here. They say they want to do all they can to make the cut. But the men aren’t just proving they’ve got what it takes to the coaches, they’re also proving it to themselves.

“Could be better, just got to keep on going, stay in shape, and practicing,” says Islam Abdallah.

“Trying to see if I can play ball still, I love the game,” Dontarius Toombs.

The Panthers’ season will soon be underway; their first game is March 19th.

Are you going to watch the Panthers play this year?