March 17, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former Samford quarterback Ray Nelson has signed with the Birmingham Steeldogs of arenafootball2, the organization announced recently.

Nelson left Samford after rewriting the Bulldogs' passing record book. He is the all-time leader in all-purpose yardage (9,575), passing yards (7,950), pass attempts (1,248), completions (704) and touchdown passes (60).

As a senior in 2004, Nelson racked up 3,606 yards of total offense, including 2,807 yards through the air and 799 yards on the ground, all team highs. Nelson completed 258 of his 460 pass attempts, and threw 20 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 12 touchdowns on the season.

Nelson is currently participating in the Steeldogs' preseason camp. The team opens the 2005 season April 9, with a home game against the San Diego Riptide.