Bobby Keyes had six straight games with an interception earlier this season.

IRVING, Texas - Relying on a veteran, experienced set of players, the Desperados entered the 2007 season with just five Arena League rookies on the roster.

But defensive back Bobby Keyes was fortunate to be one of them.

As it turned out, the Desperados have been rather fortunate to have him.

And the AFL took notice on Wednesday, announcing that Keyes has been named to this year's All-Rookie team as one of three defensive backs.

While Keyes is obviously new to AFL end-of-season awards, two Desperados veterans were rewarded by the league on Wednesday. Quarterback Clint Dolezel was named the AFL's offensive player of the month, while WR/DB Will Pettis was the league's top Ironman for the month of June. It's the second time this season Pettis has won the monthly award, to go along with six weekly awards. Pettis is the heavy favorite to claim the AFL's Ironman of the Year award this season.

As for Dolezel, who set the AFL touchdown passes record last year with 105, tossed 107 this year, but ranked second to former Desperados quarterback Chris Greisen.

Keyes finished second on the team with six interceptions and ranked fourth on the team with 39 ½ tackles, to go along with 11 pass deflections.

Keyes had a streak of six consecutive games with an interception, with five occurring in the fourth quarter. His 30-yard interception return for a touchdown in Orlando sealed Dallas' 70-49 win back in March.

He becomes the ninth Desperados player named to the league's All-Rookie team and first since Clint Stoerner in 2005. Keyes joins current Desperados - Will Pettis and Jermaine Jones (2003) and Colston Weatherington (2004) to claim the honor.

Here's a look at the entire All-Rookie team for 2007:

QB - Brad Dietz, Tampa Bay
FB - James Lynch, New Orleans
C - Will Rabatin, Columbus
OL - Phil Bogle, Philadelphia
OL - Martin Bibla, Philadelphia
WR - Charles Frederick, Kansas City
WR - Trandon Harvey, Arizona
WR - Kenny Higgins, Nashville
DL - Bryan Save, Philadelphia
DL - John Nix, New York
DL - Rob Schroeder, Austin
MLB - Lance Mitchell, Orlando
JLB - Steve Watson, San Jose
DB - Bobby Keyes, Dallas
DB - Rayshun Reed, Orlando
DB - Keyou Craver, Arizona
K - A.J. Haglund, San Jose