Birmingham Steeldogs Acquire Ray Nelson
March 17, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham Steeldogs have announced the assignment of Ray Nelson to the 2005 roster.
Nelson, a Mobile, Ala., native, played at Samford University from 2001 to 2004, and currently holds a bevy of school records. He is the all-time leader in all-purpose yardage (9,575), passing yards (7,950), pass attempts (1,248), completions (704) and touchdown passes (60).
After splitting time with former Steeldogs quarterback Josh Kellett in 2001 and 2002, Nelson took over as the team's primary signal-caller in 2003. The junior responded by rolling up more than 3,100 yards of total offense, including 2,759 yards through the air. Nelson completed 242 of his 408 pass attempts (59.3 percent) and threw 23 touchdown passes to only nine interceptions.
However, any superlative set in his junior season would be superceded in his senior campaign, where Nelson racked up more than 3,600 yards of total offense, including 2,800 yards through the air and nearly 800 yards on the ground, all team highs. Nelson completed 258 of his 460 pass attempts for 2,807 yards, 20 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He was the team's leading rusher with 799 yards and 12 touchdowns on 167 attempts.
"I am very excited about having Ray Nelson on our squad," Steeldogs Head Coach Bobby Humphrey said. "Not only does he have the numbers to backup his talent, but he has also proven himself as a leader both on and off the field. That's what we are looking for in a quarterback."
Nelson becomes the latest in a long line of Samford football alumni that serve the Steeldogs organization including the Steeldogs' managing partner, Scott Myers.
"I am very proud to have another Samford graduate join our organization for 2005," said Myers. "Ray is a talented athlete and a character-driven young man. I am sure that he will represent the Steeldogs well."
The Steeldogs kick off their historic sixth season on April 9, versus the San Diego Riptide at the BJCC Arena. Tickets are still available and can be purchased either by calling the Steeldogs front office at (205) 458.8833 or through Ticketmaster at (205) 715.6000. For more information, visit www.steeldogs.com.
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