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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Former ASU Receiver Re-Signs with Rattlers

February 17, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers signed former Rattlers and Arizona State receiver Justin Taplin to their roster, Head Coach Gene Nudo announced. This is Taplin's second go-around with the Rattlers, having played with the team during the 2004 season.

"He's a good route runner who plays with a lot of enthusiasm," Nudo said. "The fact that now he just has to be a one-way guy really helps him a lot. He can just focus on being a receiver, which is his natural position."

The 6-foot, 185-pound receiver is no stranger to the Valley. Born on May 22, 1979 in Tempe, Taplin played high school football at Tempe H.S. along side Rattlers quarterback Todd Mortensen prior to suiting up for the Sun Devils as a collegiate.

It's Taplin's familiarity with the surroundings - in addition to the receiver's natural talents - that makes Nudo confident that Taplin can compete for a roster spot despite joining the team midway through training camp.

"He knows this offensive system and he knows the guys," Nudo said. "I've always had a warm spot in my heart for him. It's just been the timing for him to return to our team hasn't worked out until now."

For Taplin, the chance to throw on the black, copper and teal once again is an opportunity he appreciates every time he steps onto the turf at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

"I was hoping to get back on this team," he said. "I was kind of in limbo for a long time, but the situation presented itself with the Rattlers. Coach Nudo gave me a shot so I'm pretty much trying to hold my end of the bargain right now."

The Rattlers will kick off their 16th season on March 3 when they take on the Georgia Force at the U.S. Airways Center. Season tickets, group tickets and premium single game tickets can be purchased by calling 602-379-2333. Single game tickets are currently on sale through azrattlers.com, ticketmaster.com and the U.S. Airways Center Box Office.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 17, 2007


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