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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

QB Competition Heats Up For The Rattlers

December 21, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers have added two quarterbacks to the roster, head coach Gene Nudo announced today.

The Rattlers have signed college standout Ryan Dinwiddie and local star Todd Mortensen for the 2007 season.

Dinwiddie (6'1", 190) signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears before being assigned to the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe. He completed 73 of 155 passes for the Sea Devils for 934 yards, five TDs and seven interceptions. One of the highlights of his season was a 99-yard TD drive in the first quarter of a 30-10 win over the Frankfurt Galaxy. Dinwiddie also spent time with the CFL before joining the Rattlers.

"Dinwiddie was a great college player," said Nudo. "He is well suited for our game and has a great chance to become our guy for the future."

Dinwiddie has often been referred to as the best QB to come out of Boise State. During his Broncos career, Dinwiddie set the all time NCAA record for career passing efficiency with a rating of 168.19. He was named 2003 WAC Offensive Player of the Year after posting a completion percentage of 61.9%. He threw for 4,356 yards and 31 touchdowns.

During his senior season, Dinwiddie set the Boise State record for passes, completions and attempts. He also set the record for most yards in a season. He led the Broncos to two consecutive undefeated WAC seasons, and was selected all-WAC First Team QB two years in a row. Dinwiddie had a career-best 188.18 ranking in 2002 that would have set an NCAA single-season record if he played in one more game. He also had a 164.69 rating in 2001 and a 163.72 rating in 2003, both good enough for fourth in the country. Dinwiddie led the Broncos to a 28-6 record as a starter.

Mortensen (6'4", 200) was also signed to a free agent NFL contract prior to joining Arizona. Mortensen signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2005, but was released during training camp. He then signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots in January, which led to his allocation to NFL Europe. Like Dinwiddie, Mortensen also played for the Hamburg Sea Devils.

Mortensen played one year with University of San Diego after transferring from BYU. During his single season with the Toreros, Mortensen completed 234-of-389 passes for 2.874 yards and five touchdowns. He was named co-Offensive Player of the Year in the Pioneer Football League North Division, as well as a First Team The Sports Network 1-AA Mid-Major All America. USD finished the season 7-4 overall, including five straight seasons to end the season.

Mortensen is a native of Tempe, AZ. He attended Tempe High where he was 1st Team All-State as a senior while throwing for 2,500 yards and 32 TDs... Team went 14-0 and won state championship... Junior year was 2nd Team All-State while throwing for 23 TDs and 1,900 yards.

"Mortensen is a big, strong, and very smart QB, "said Nudo. "His local ties to the community make him a great fit for the team."

The Rattlers will kick off their 16th season on March 3 at the US Airways Center. Rattlers season tickets can be purchased by calling 602-514-8383.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 21, 2006


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