Coaching Staff

Jeff Higgins

Head Coach

E.J. Burt

OL/DL Coach

The Orlando Predators welcome former player and record holder for the franchise, E.J. Burt, to the coaching staff. E.J. brings years of experience to the staff including 7 years of playing experience in the Arena League. He will be coaching the Offensive and Defensive Lines along with Linebackers and Fullbacks. He has been coaching for 18 years at the collegiate and high school levels.

This will be his first year coaching with the Orlando Predators.

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Roy Stabler

Defensive Coordinator

Roy Stabler is an Alabama native who played college football at the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned 2nd team All-American honors. After college Roy started playing Indoor football for the Favre Family in the NIFL/IPFL, ultimately winning several conference and Arena Championships. In 2001 he then transitioned to the AFL2 as a defensive specialist. Roy became a member of the Florida Firecats in 2002 helping the team win the American Conference while earning All AF2 1st team honors.

The next year Roy earned 1st Team honors and was signed to the Orlando Predators for the 2004 season. After being released due to injuries, Roy returned to the Firecats to earn All AF2 2nd Team honors in addition to winning the Arena Cup. In his first year indoor coaching debut as Defensive Coordinator for the Gulf Coast Fire, the team won the A-League championship 80-20.

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Marcus Manuel Sr.

Assistant Coach

Coach Marcus Manuel is a Tampa native and graduate of Plant City High School where he played basketball and football. He went on to play at Kemper Military Junior College and then on to Winston Salem State University.

After college Marcus played 3 years of minor league football most notably with the St. Pete Sharks under then Head Coach Ernest Givens (former Houston Oilers). He then signed on to play with the Peoria Pirates and Billings Thunderbolts of the AF2 league. His career was then cut short due to injuries.

Coach Marcus brings over 10years of coaching experience where he has coached on both sides of the ball. He also brings a strong passion for the game and is very excited about being a part of the Orlando Predators organization.

Marcus and his wife Rachel are the proud parents of 3 kids: Donavan (21), Marcus Jr.(17) and Amari 16)

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