DES MOINES – The Iowa Barnstormers 2012 roster continued to take shape Thursday as Head Coach and Director of Football Operations Mike Hohensee announced that the team has assigned rookie wide receiver Anthony Nelson.
 
Nelson (5-10, 180) joins Iowa after playing his senior season at UMASS in 2010 where he led the team with 61 receptions for 830 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Prior to that, Nelson played from 2007-09 at Hofstra University before the school’s football program was cancelled.  In 3 seasons with Hofstra, Nelson compiled 109 receptions for 858 yards in 6 touchdowns.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
 
“Anthony is a tough receiver who attacks the ball and made huge plays for his team in college.  He is an intelligent player who should adapt quickly to the Arena game”, stated Hohensee.  “He is a top-flight receiver and an outstanding student that has been a decorated player throughout his collegiate career”.  Upon completion of the 2010 season, Nelson was named to the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team along with being named the CAA Football Student Athlete of the Year.  
 
A native of Willington, FL, Nelson will be among a group of 35 players that report to the Barnstormers training camp this February to compete for a spot with the club.  He is officially the 18th player under contract with the Barnstormers for the 2012 season.