Erin Griffin, RampageFootball.com writer

Friday's meeting against the Las Vegas Gladiators will be a trip back to a familiar place for Rampage WR/DB Dennison Robinson. The team moved to Las Vegas after Robinson’s rookie season and has developed into a popular sports attraction since the move in 2003.

Robinson truly has left his mark on the Gladiators record books, being named the team’s Ironman of the Year in two out of his three years. He compiled 128 receptions for 1,282 yards and 17 touchdowns on offense and 97.0 tackles with eight interceptions on defense. In his first AFL season in 2002, Robinson nabbed 67 receptions for 620 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

Staying in stride, Robinson has found success with the Rampage this season as he has fit right into the two-way position with the team. In seven games with the squad, Robinson has 21 receptions for 281 yards and five touchdowns thus far. Playing even better on defense, he has 23.5 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions. In his second game with the Rampage, Robinson earned the Defensive Player and Ironman of the Game awards in the lone win so far this season. In that game, Robinson had two tackles, an interception and a touchdown on the day.

Along with developing into a talented Arena Football player in his time with the Gladiators, he also has built close friendships with Damon Mason and Jeroid Johnson. Both are league veterans and have been recognized within the AFL with many honors over their years, but they also have provided Robinson with some insight into the game of Arena Football. Mason is now a teammate of Robinson on the Rampage as well. Both had interceptions in the Rampage’s loss last week to Nashville.

Returning to the confines of the Thomas & Mack Center, Robinson will face off against the Gladiators for the first time since he came to the Rampage. "It is going to be weird," says Robinson. "The Gladiators were the only team I played for and they are doing great things right now, but we are looking to do great things here." Robinson hopes to lead the defense against the Gladiators who boast the third ranked offense in the league. Although Robinson makes his home now in Grand Rapids with the Rampage, the “sin city” will always hold a special place in his heart as he experienced many great years in Las Vegas.