The Utah Blaze announced Wednesday that first team, All-Arena defensive lineman Caesar Rayford has re-signed with the team for the 2012 season.

Receiver Ernie Pierce will also return to one of the most potent offenses in the Arena Football League.

"We are excited to re-sign a First Team All-Arena player in Caesar Rayford," said Head Coach Ron James. "By bringing him back for the 2012 season, we have anchored the defensive line with one of the AFL's better pass rushers."

In Rayford's second season with the Blaze, he served on the defensive line in all 18 games. He tallied 31.0 total tackles, seven pass breakups, five blocked kicks, four recovered fumbles, three forced fumbles and ranked sixth in the League with 10.0 sacks, earning him First Team All-Arena. In four years at University of Washington, Rayford (6-7, 265) played in 35 games as a defensive end. As a Husky, he collected 13.0 total tackles, 5.5 total sacks and one forced fumble.

As one of QB Tommy Grady's (6-7, 245, Utah) main targets, Pierce hauled in 92 catches for 1,073 yards and 19 touchdowns in 14 games.

A dynamic contributor on special teams, Pierce (6-3, 210) tallied 5.0 total tackles, had one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also recovered two onside kicks and returned them each for a touchdown.

In 2010, Pierce spent the season with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. He attended camp with the team before signing as a free agent.