CHICAGO - Quarterback Nick Davila, the 2011 National Guard MVP of the Year, will be back under center for the Arizona Rattlers this season, the League office announced Saturday.

Davila returns for his third AFL season after leading the Rattlers to their best record in team history (16-2), a National Conference championship and an ArenaBowl appearance last season.

In 2011, Davila passed for a franchise-record 4,916 yards and tied the AFL record for passing touchdowns in a single season with 117. He also led the League in pass efficiency (127.6) and ranked second in completion percentage (70.7) and pass completions (427), while throwing just 10 interceptions on the year.

Davila will have one of his top targets from last season back as well, as receiver Trandon Harvey was assigned to the Rattlers last week.

Arizona shored up its defense earlier in the month by trading for All-Arena linebacker Cliff Dukes. The team also brought back defensive lineman Marcus Pittman and linebacker Kevin McCullough in February.

The Rattlers open the 2012 season by hosting Milwaukee on March 17. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET.

Arizona begins practice Monday.