By Matt Popchock

(mpopchock@kdka.com)

One of the members of the 2011 Cleveland Gladiators team that snatched the Arena Football League’s East Division crown from the Pittsburgh Power’s grasp will get to experience one of the league’s newest rivalries from a different perspective.

The Power continued to add to their 2012 training camp roster by reportedly signing former Cleveland offensive lineman and arena football veteran Joe Blanks on Wednesday.

Affectionately known as “The Animal,” Blanks, 24, played at Winston-Salem State, which competes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, part of NCAA Division II. The 6’4″, 330-pound Erie native spent time with the Erie Explosion of the Ultimate Indoor Football League before being assigned to the Gladiators last season.

Check out some of Blanks’ highlights from the UIFL.

(Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/mpopchock)