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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Sign Two Former Sun Devil Standouts

October 10, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League have signed two Arizona State University alumni adding young, local talent to the team, head coach Gene Nudo announced today.

Offensive/defensive lineman Grayling Love and DB R.J. Oliver will join the Rattlers for the 2007 season.

"Both are young talent that will help us in the future," said Nudo. "They are great kids and prospects. We feel that both will be contributing members of the team."

Love (6-3, 306 pounds), anchored an offensive line that helped ASU finish with the second-ranked total offense in the nation with 573.6 total yards per game during the 2005 season. As a Sun Devil, he earned All-Pac-10 honors in each of his final three seasons.

While at ASU, Love started 31 of 45 career games. His first missed game came during his senior year. Despite missing the final five games of 2005 due to injury, he earned second team All-Pac 10 honors for a season in which he started at center in each of the seven games in which he played.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Love established himself as one the most elite-student athletes in the nation having twice earned first-team Pac-10 All-Academic honors. He was one of only three players in the Pac-10 to be named to the all conference and all academic teams. Love also earned recognition for his humanitarian efforts and leadership skills receiving the Pat Tillman Valor Award and the Cecil Abono Co-Captain Award. Love was named a National Scholar Athlete, a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is regarded as the "Academic Heisman", and a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is regarded as the "Humanitarian Heisman."

"We have solid veterans but we need to bring some young talent along," said Nudo. "We have to keep an eye on the future."

Oliver (5-10, 180 pounds) was the longest tenured Sun Devil and one of the top cornerbacks in the Pac-10. He was granted a sixth year of eligibility with the NCAA after missing all of the 2004 season with a foot injury. As a Sun Devil, Oliver started 32 of 40 career games collecting 146 career tackles, of which 97 were solo, nine interceptions and 31 pass breakups. His most successful year came as a sophomore where he earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors after leading the conference with 22 passes defended.

"Had it not been for that injury Oliver would have been at an NFL camp this year," said Nudo

The Rattlers will kick off their 16th season in 2007. Rattlers season tickets can be purchased by calling 602-514-8383.

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