By Marc Thaler
Managing Sports Editor

Perhaps you’ve taken a look at the Manchester Wolves 2006 preseason roster. It’s all too appropriate that Tyler Grogan was listed as No. 0.

That’s because there’s absolutely zero quit in the 25- year-old’s makeup.

“He is as determined as anybody I’ve been around in a long time,” Wolves head coach Ben Bennett said.

In three previous Wolves open tryouts, the son of former New England Patriots star quarterback Steve Grogan couldn’t survive the final round of cuts.

Consistently so close before being turned away, it would’ve been understandable if Grogan walked away.

Then again, when dealing with the son of a professional athlete, giving up doesn’t go over well. The challenge to overcome obstacles is a mammoth motivator.

“I wanted to always strive for another level,” said Grogan, attempting to make the ’06 Wolves as a wide receiver. “Whether I get cut every time or whether I make it every time, I just want to take another step.”

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Grogan’s drive to succeed actually took him overseas last winter.

Occasionally a wide receiver, but predominantly a punter during his days at Northeastern University, Grogan tried to find employment as a punter in NFL Europe.

But just like his first three experiences with the Wolves, the former Husky was cut.

Upon his return to the States, Grogan said he considered taking a year off to recharge and line up other job opportunities.

Then the Wolves came calling.

While Grogan’s previous performances never earned an invitation to training camp, he opened several eyes with his effort, according to the head coach.

“The thing that you like to see besides the determination was that he learned from tryout to tryout,” Bennett said. “He kept getting better.”

Improvement – that’s what keeps this 6-foot-4, 215-pound athlete striving for gridiron success.

Progressing as a football player is a tremendous challenge, Grogan said, considering he’s learning a new position in a league that’s different from the conventional game.

Those differences include learning how to position the body for optimal pass-catching opportunities; where to be when running certain routes; and how to locate an open spot on the field versus simply running to a designated area.

“The basics in arena (football) are the same, but there’s a lot of little nuances,” Bennett said. “If you haven’t been around, you’re gonna bang your head a few times before you learn them. He’s picking them up pretty quickly.”

The other chief challenge for Grogan involves establishing his own football identity. It can’t be easy with his family tree. But Grogan said he doesn’t view his last name as a hindrance.

“Some people have their doubts, they have very high expectations,”

Grogan said. “I think coming to this level and learning this position helps me make my own name.”

Grogan said his father, who’s always supported him, doesn’t offer advice unless asked.

Still, suggestions from the Pats legend, or Bennett, an Arena Football League Hall of Famer, won’t amount to much if the student isn’t willing to work hard. Good thing that’s not the case with Grogan.

“You can see when you tell him something, he applies it. That’s the important thing,” Bennett said. “He’s had a bum thumb and he’s fought through that. You gotta admire the kid’s courage.”