Rattlers' Jeremy Kellem named AFL Defensive Back of the Year

Rattlers safety Jeremy Kellem, who made the hit that appeared to spring the ball from Reggie Gray's outreached hand before crossing the end zone on Saturday, will have to settle for the Arena Football League's consolation prize.

Kellem was named Defensive Back of the Year on Monday after his league-most 14 interceptions.

Replays showed that the ball left Gray's hand just before getting it in the end zone in the final seconds in Stockton. Kellem recovered in the end zone, but officials ruled it a touchdown and the San Jose SaberCats won the National Conference championship classic, 70-67.

Officials didn't feel there was enough evidence in the review to overturn the call.

Gray was named Receiver of the Year by the AFL on Monday.

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The loss denied the Rattlers a fifth consecutive trip to the ArenaBowl.

Last year, Rattlers cornerback Marquis Floyd won the AFL Defensive Back Player of the Year award, as the Rattlers went on to capture a third consecutive ArenaBowl title.