Ranglin Takes AFL Honor

Published on August 9, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Kansas City Command News Release


KANSAS CITY, MO (August 9, 2011) - Kansas City Command offensive guard Rich Ranglin (6'3", 315, Central Connecticut) was named Tuesday the Spalding Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Arena Football League.

"It feels amazing," Ranglin said of the award. "Sometimes you're working so hard and you wonder if anyone is noticing. It feels great to get recognized."

"I'm happy for Rich," said Command coach Danton Barto. "I thought he was one of the best linemen in the league all year. Nobody ever had a big game working against Rich."

Despite the AFL schedule increasing to 18 games, Ranglin proved to be incredibly durable in playing every offensive snap of the 2011 Command season.

Barto pointed to Ranglin's positive influence on his teammates and willingness to take on any challenge as traits he most admired.

"His attitude was great," Barto said. "He was always willing to take on the best pass rushers. He's a true shutdown offensive guard in our league and those guys are hard to find."

Ranglin, 26, gave credit to Barto and position coach Richard McCleskey for their part in helping him to a great season.

"Coach Barto just instilled in me to compete," Ranglin said. "And coach Rich, he challenged me every day. I couldn't slip, I had to be at the top of my game and be a leader every day in practice."

Ranglin's 2011 season was memorable for a major reason off the field as well as he became a father for the first time in June when son Kian Richard Ranglin was born.

"I used it as a motivational tool," Ranglin said. "You want your son and your family to be proud of you. I'm thinking about him a lot when I play."

Arena Football League rules allow one of the three offensive linemen to be an eligible receiver on a given snap and Ranglin was an effective but occasional weapon in that role, catching four passes for 67 yards, a 16.8 average. Barto said Ranglin's athleticism was apparent on every snap, whether he was running routes or slowing down an opposing pass rush.

"For a guy his size, his footwork is the first thing you notice," Barto said. "He's got great feet."

Ranglin said winning the award was a perfect ending to a special season.

"I had a blast in Kansas City," he said. "I thank everyone associated with the Command organization. Everything was first class. I want to thank the Likens family and all the coaches for the opportunity to play in Kansas City."

Every player in the AFL is a free-agent after each season, but Barto is hopeful Ranglin will return for another year with the Command to anchor the team's pass protection in 2012.

"I think Rich's best football is in front of him," Barto said. "I'm looking forward to getting him back next year and using him as a building block."

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