SALT LAKE CITY – The Arena Football League's
Utah Blaze have been assigned former ACU Wildcat offensive lineman
Neal Tivis, the team announced Thursday. Before landing with the Blaze, Tivis was invited to the Dallas Cowboys' rookie minicamp and participated in a tryout with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
“
Neal Tivis is a big, strong offensive lineman,” said Blaze president and head coach Ron James. “He is a tough player with a great work ethic. We are excited to see what he can accomplish on the field this season.”
The 6-foot-5, 310 pound Tivis started every game over the past two seasons at offensive tackle for ACU, twice earning All-Lone Star Conference accolades. As a senior in 2011, he blocked for Division II's third-ranked passing attack (348.91 ypg) while ACU allowed the seventh-lowest average of sacks per game in the nation. He was recognized for these efforts with spots on the all-region second team and all-conference first team.
As a junior in 2010, Tivis started all 12 games for a nationally-ranked Wildcats squad, helping the team turn in a perfect 11-0 regular season record. With Tivis up front, Abilene Christian produced the country's second-ranked scoring offense (43.33 ppg) as well as the ninth-best passing offense (317.50 ypg).
About The Utah Blaze
Utah (8-5) hits the road this weekend to take on the division-rival Spokane (7-5) at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. The game can be viewed live online through the Arena Football League's exclusive partnership with Ustream, the leader in live and interactive video streaming. Visit
ustream.tv/utahblaze to stream the game at no cost! Game coverage can also be heard in the Salt Lake City area on The Zone 1280 AM/97.5 FM, the radio home of the Utah Blaze.
Follow the Utah Blaze on Facebook (
facebook.com/utahblaze) and Twitter (
@utblaze) for all the latest news and updates.
Information from the the Utah Blaze was used in this release.
