AFL NOTES: Bobby Keyes makes his bid for more playing time in 2008 for the Dallas Desperados after a strong rookie campaign that saw him lead all AFL rookies with six interceptions to earn AFL All-Rookie Team honors at the conclusion of the season. He finished the 2007 season second on the team with six interceptions while also adding 39.5 tackles and 9.5 special teams tackles. Keyes, a cornerback by trade, gained valuable experience in af2 in 2006 with the Birmingham Steeldogs. He will have to draw from his prep and early college days as a two-way player and continue to develop into a well-rounded, pro player to provide versatility to the Desperados roster.

AFL 2007 (Dallas): Keyes earned All-Rookie Team honors after posting 39.5 tackles, 9.5 special teams tackles and six interceptions. He had one one tackle and two passes defensed in his first career AFL game at New York (3/4). He made his first career interception against Tampa Bay (3/10) while also adding two tackles. At Orlando (3/26) Keyes picked off his second pass of the season and returned it 30 yards for his first career touchdown while also logging three tackles and one pass defensed. He had four tackles and made his third interception of the season against Austin (3/31). Keyes, making his first career start, tied a single-season rookie club record with his fourth interception (Tim Denton) against Columbus (4/5) which also marked his third consecutive game with an interception while also contributing a team-high seven tackles. He made his second start against Philadelphia (4/16) to register a career-high nine tackles while collecting his fifth interception of the season - and fourth consecutive interception - marking a team single-season rookie record for most interceptions in a season. Keyes increased his consecutive games with an interception to five games at Georgia (4/21) while also adding 3.5 tackles and one pass defensed. Against Nashville (4/27) Keyes recovered a kickoff that hit the iron for a three-yard touchdown return and also had two tackles. Keyes was placed on the Reserve/Injured list on May 13 and missed the next three games - against Chicago (5/14), at Columbus (5/26) and at Philadelphia (6/1) - before returning against New York (6/16) as a reserve defensive back. He posted 3.5 tackles in the season finale at Colorado (6/25) and was inactive for Dallas's Divisional Playoff Game against Columbus (7/7)

OTHER PRO EXPERIENCE: Keyes signed with the Birmingham Steeldogs of af2 and was named All-af2 First Team after leading the team with 66 tackles, eight interceptions and 17 pass breakups. 2005 - Keyes spent part of the offseason with the Washington Redskins.

COLLEGE: Keyes was a standout defensive back at Alabama-Birmingham after transferring from Jones County, Miss., Junior College. In two years at UAB, Keyes recorded 106 tackles and three interceptions. Before transferring, Keyes started two years at Jones County and was the only player in the conference to play on both sides of the ball - defensive back and running back. His work as a freshman helped the team go 10-1 and win the MACJC Championship.

PERSONAL: Keyes was a standout running back and defensive back at Raleigh, Miss., High School. He was an all-district selection and was named the team's best offensive player. He also returned punts and kickoffs. As a senior, he was the third leading rusher in class 3A and returned three punts and a kickoff for touchdowns. He was also a member of the school's basketball and track and field teams. In 2007, Keyes volunteered his time at Children's Medical Center Dallas, visiting with sick children and lifting the spirits of those too sick to play in the hospital's play area. He also mentored at-risk youth served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas as part of the Desperados Impact Player Program and helped the team and U.S. Army host a one-day teaching camp for area high school football players at Texas Stadium.