UTBlaze.com - The Official Website of the Utah Blaze

UTAH STRENGTHENS O-LINE WITH ADDITION OF TIVIS

Last Updated: June 14, 2012 4:50 PM

Abilene Christian OL Neal Tivis Assigned to Blaze

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Blaze have been assigned OL Neal Tivis, the team announced today. 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 President & 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.”

Tivis (6-5, 310, Abilene Christian) started every game over the past two seasons at offensive tackle for Abilene Christian, 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.

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 nine-best passing offense (317.50 ypg).

The Utah Blaze (8-5) hits the road this weekend to take on the division-rival Spokane Shock (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.

Cover Photo by Jeremy Enlow

ABOUT THE BLAZE

The Utah Blaze (8-5) returns home to Tim Dahle Field at EnergySolutions Arena on Saturday, June 23rd to take on the Georgia Force. Tickets are still available for purchase by calling 1-888-99BLAZE, or online at www.utblaze.com. Follow the Utah Blaze on Facebook (facebook.com/utahblaze) and Twitter (@utblaze) for all the latest news and updates.

—BLAZE—