June 10, 2008

LAS VEGAS - Former UNLV offensive lineman Tim Goins (Madison, AL) made his Arena Football League debut over the weekend after he was activated by the Orlando Predators.

Goins, a four-year letterwinner for the Rebels out of Bob Jones High School, was signed to the franchise's practice squad last month and promoted to the main roster in time for the Predators' 71-61 loss at Tampa Bay Saturday.

With the recent retirements of longtime stars Randy Gatewood and Lorenzo Reed, Goins is currently the only former Rebel to appear on an active AFL roster as former UNLV receiver Troy Mason is on the practice squad of the Dallas Deperados. Three other former Rebels are playing on AFL2 teams: OL Joe Critchfield, DB Ruschard Dodd-Masters and DB Charles Ealy.

A versatile blocker, Goins started 30 games at UNLV playing at left guard and center. One of four team captains in 2007, Goins earned the Robert Cline Award, which annually goes to a senior who demonstrated a strong commitment to his team, university and community while also showing good sportsmanship on the field. He graduated in December with a degree in electrical engineering.