Rookie of the Year Nelson re-signs with SaberCats
Published on December 21, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2006) - Receiver BEN NELSON, the 2006 Arena Football League Rookie of the Year, re-signed with the two-time ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats, the club announced today.
Few players have had an impact on the Arena Football League the way Nelson did in his first AFL campaign. "Ben is a very special player and has tremendous upside in the future of this game," Head Coach and General Manager Darren Arbet acknowledged. "He came in here and impressed everyone last season, there are very high expectations for him this year."
Nelson took over as the SaberCats starting offensive specialist in Week 6 and totaled 1,405 yards and 26 touchdowns on 94 receptions in just 11 games. He amassed the second-highest yardage total by a rookie in AFL history and ranked 8th overall while placing 3rd with an average of 117.1 receiving yards a game.
The former St. Cloud State star established SaberCats rookie receiving records and matched a team season record with seven 100-yard receiving games.
Following an 11 reception, 203 yard, five touchdown performance against the Arizona Rattlers on May 2, Nelson was named the AFL's Offensive Player of the Week. He was also honored as the league's Rookie of the Month for March.
The SaberCats also announced the signing of former Florida State offensive lineman Todd Williams (6-5, 325), who has agreed to terms on a free agent contract. While at FSU, Williams spent his final season protecting QB Adrian McPherson, recently-acquired by the Austin Wrangler's.
Williams makes his way into the AFL after spending four seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans (2003-04), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005-06) and the Green Bay Packers (2006).
Drafted in the seventh round (225th overall) of the 2003 NFL draft, Williams was part of an elite draft class that featured players such as Carson Palmer, Andre Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Troy Polamalu and Larry Johnson. Seattle Seahawks kicker Josh Brown was taken three spots ahead of Williams.
The SaberCats will open training camp in early February preparing for their 13th season in the AFL. They will open the season in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 4 and play their home opener on Saturday, March 31 against the Tampa Bay Storm. A premier franchise in the AFL, San Jose has captured two ArenaBowl titles, six Western Division championships, seven consecutive playoff appearances and owns the league's best regular season record this decade. Season and group tickets are available now by calling (408) 573-5577 or by visiting the team's official website - www.sanjosesabercats.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 21, 2006
- Rookie of the Year Nelson re-signs with SaberCats - San Jose SaberCats
- QB Competition Heats Up For The Rattlers - Arizona Rattlers
- Kats Waive Will Heineman - Nashville Kats
- Kats To Hold Open Tryout Camp Early 2007 - Nashville Kats
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