AUSTIN - Beginning the Arena Football League’s free agency period, the Austin Wranglers announced the signing of defensive specialist Nate Coggins. He signed a two-year contract with the team, through the 2008 season.

Coggins (6-1, 215, West Georgia), entering his third AFL season, comes to Austin from Southern Division rival the Georgia Force. Last season, Coggins recorded 91.5 tackles, one tackle for a loss, one interception return for an 18-yard touchdown, 13 pass breakups, one fumble forced and one fumble recovered in 13 games with Georgia.

“We wanted to be aggressive in free agency to build upon the great foundation we had after our first playoff season,” said Wranglers General Manager Glyn Milburn. “With the signing of Coggins, we have taken a major step in acquiring another strong AFL defensive back that will provide intelligence, toughness and a winning background which gives the Wranglers a competitive advantage in the tough Southern Division.”

In his first AFL season, Coggins was a member of the 2005 National Conference Champion Georgia Force team that played in ArenaBowl XIX. Despite only playing in nine games, he was Georgia’s third leading tackler with 67. Coggins attended training camp with the NFL’s New York Giants in 2002 but was released at the conclusion of training camp. A Georgia native, he attended the University of West Georgia, where he was a Division II All-American in 2000 and 2001.

Don’t wait to get your season tickets to Ambush Arena in 2007. Coming off their most successful season in franchise history, the Wranglers are geared up for a run at ArenaBowl XXI. To reserve your season tickets, call the Wranglers ticket office at (512) 339.3939 or for ticket information log on to www.austinwranglers.com.