MAC Players Signed as NFL Free Agents
Many MAC Players Sign as NFL Free Agents
Following this weekend's NFL Draft many MAC football players have signed with NFL clubs. Already 28 players have signed with NFL clubs and many more have received tryouts to NFL mini-camps.
MAC Players Signed as NFL Rookie Free Agents
Akron, DB Malachi Freeman, New Orleans Saints
Akron, DL Moses McCray, New Orleans Saints
Akron, DE Albert Presley, Jacksonville Jaguars
Akron, OL Jarrod Pughsley, Dallas Cowboys
Ball State, WR Willie Snead, Cleveland Browns
Bowling Green, TE Alex Bayer, St. Louis Rams
Bowling Green, TE Tyler Beck, New England Patriots
Bowling Green, DL Jarius Campbell, Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo, DB Derek Brim, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo, WR Alex Neutz, Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo, RB Branden Oliver, Indianapolis Colts
Buffalo, DE Colby Way, Buffalo Bills
Central Michigan, S Avery Cunningham, St. Louis Rams
Central Michigan, RB Zurlon Tipton, Indianapolis Colts
Eastern Michigan, S Mycal Swaim, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kent State, DT Roosevelt Nix, Atlanta Falcons
Kent State, DB Darius Polk, Indianapolis Colts
Miami, DB Dayonne Nunley, San Diego Chargers
Miami, DL Austin Brown, Houston Texans
Northern Illinois, QB Jordan Lynch, Chicago Bears
Northern Illinois, DL Joe Windsor, Dallas Cowboys
Ohio, WR Donte Foster, Minnesota Vikings
Toledo, RB David Fluellen, Philadelphia Eagles
Toledo, WR Bernard Reedy, Atlanta Falcons
Toledo, DL Jayrone Elliott, Green Bay Packers
Toledo, QB Terrance Owens, Pittsburgh Steelers
Toledo, C Zac Kerin, Minnesota Vikings
UMass, OL Anthony Dima, Cleveland Browns
Akron:
Freeman, McCray and Presley Sign with NFL Teams
AKRON, Ohio – Former University of Akron football student-athletes Malachi Freeman, Moses McCray and Albert Presley have signed undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams on Tuesday. Freeman and McCray inked contacts with the New Orleans Saints while Presley will join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both the Saints and Jaguars will hold their rookie minicamps on May 16-18.
Freeman started all 24 games at cornerback in his Akron career, posting 121 total tackles (86 solo), three interceptions and 19 pass breakups. He was named Second-Team All-MAC in 2013, in which he tied for the team lead with three interceptions and led the squad (t-17th nationally) in passes defended with 15 (12 break-ups).
In one season for the Zips, McCray helped solidify the Akron front line on defense. He appeared in 12 games, making four starts, in 2013. He finished the season with 24 tackles (11 unassisted), 2.0 tackles for a loss (five yards) and one pass breakup.
Presley appeared in 19 games for the Zips, making six starts, after transferring from Dean College. In two seasons, he posted 66 total tackles (40 solo), 7.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups.
Freeman, McCray and Presley join Jarrod Pughsley as former Zips to sign with NFL teams. Pughsley signed with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.
Jarrod Pughsley Signs Free Agent Contract with Dallas Cowboys
AKRON, Ohio – Former University of Akron offensive lineman Jarrod Pughsley signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.
The 6-5, 313-pound offensive tackle departs for Dallas on Monday, with the Cowboys' rookie mini-camp set to begin on Friday.
Pughsley, who joined the Zips in 2009 as a walk-on, appeared in 35 games on the offensive line, including 23 starts.
Pughsley was part of a front line that supported an offense ranked first in the Mid-American Conference and 16th nationally in passing (312.8 ypg), in addition to sixth in the league and 45th in the country in total offense (427.2 ypg) in 2012.
In 2013, he earned Third-Team All-MAC honors as the Zips finished 5-7 overall and 4-4 in league play.
Ball State:
Snead signs free agent contract with Cleveland Browns
Willie Snead, a junior wide receiver on the Ball State football team in 2013, has signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. Snead finished the 2013 season with Ball State single-season records in receptions (106), receiving yards (1,516) and receiving touchdowns (15). His 1,516 receiving yards in the 2013 season ranked third in the nation. Snead completed his Ball State career ranked second in receiving yards (2,991), second in passes caught (223), second in touchdown catches (26) and first in 100-yard receiving games (13).
Snead, who is only one of two players in Ball State history to manage two 1,000-yard receiving seasons, helped the Cardinals to a 10-3 overall record in 2013 and an appearance in the GoDaddy Bowl. He helped Ball State to a 9-4 mark and a trip to the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg in 2012, and a bowl eligible season of 6-6 as a true freshman in 2011.
Snead, who declared for the National Football League after his junior season, was named to the 2013 All-Mid-American Conference First Team and was a semifinalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award this past season.
In addition to these three heading to the Cleveland Browns, Ball State's Jonathan Newsome was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and Keith Wenning was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens.
Bowling Green:
Beck Signs With New England Patriots
Former Bowling Green State University football player Tyler Beck signed with the New England Patriots on Monday morning. Beck becomes the sixth Bowling Green football player who will be in an NFL Rookie Mini Camp later this week. A native of Wyomissing, Pa., Beck caught 10 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns last season. He will join former Falcon Chris Jones in New England. Jones was named the Patriots' Defensive Rookie of the Year last season.
"I am very excited right now to be a New England Patriot," Beck started. "It is a dream come true! I would like to thank everyone at Bowling Green State University for an unbelievable career and experience. BGSU prepared me for the next step in my football career, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to represent Bowling Green and the Falcon football program wherever I go in the future."
A three-time Academic All-MAC honoree, Beck was used primarily as a blocking fullback/tight end throughout his career. As a versatile player, Beck was also called upon to catch passes in certain packages, catching 25 passes during his career. His most notable touchdown reception came in the Mid-American Conference Championship game this past season, where his 28-yard catch-and-run helped the Falcons jump out to an early lead against No. 12 Northern Illinois. The Falcons would go on to win the MAC Championship and knock off previously-unbeaten Northern Illinois, 47-27.
Bayer signs NFL Free Agent deal with St. Louis Rams
Former Bowling Green State University All-Mid-American Conference tight end Alex Bayer has signed an NFL free agent contract with the St. Louis Rams. Bayer, who caught 115 career passes, was twice named All-MAC. The Pickerington, Ohio native played in the East-West Shrine Game back in January.
"I couldn't be more excited about my decision to sign as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams," Bayer began. "I had over 10 free agent offers and St. Louis was by far the best situation for me. None of this would have been possible without my coaches and teammates at Bowling Green. I am extremely grateful to everyone at BGSU who has helped me get to this point."
Bayer shined in the season's biggest games, as he caught a season-high seven passes for a career-high 124 yards and a touchdown in the MAC Championship Game win over Northern Illinois. Not only an efficient pass-catcher, Bayer blocked for running back Travis Greene, who set the school record for rushing yards in a season in 2013.
The tight end caught 10 career touchdown passes, three of his four in 2013 coming in the final four games of the season. On Senior Night against Ohio, Bayer caught a career-long 57 yard pass for a touchdown. He also added a touchdown in the MAC Championship and Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
Falcon Campbell Signs With Ravens
Former Bowling Green State University standout Jairus Campbell has inked a free agent deal with the Baltimore Ravens. A native of Pickerington, Ohio, Campbell started 13 games last season for the sixth-best defense in the nation.
Campbell had 33 tackles in 2013, playing in all 14 games at defensive tackle for the Falcons. He had 13 tackles during the final three games of the season, as the Falcons won the MAC East division with a win at Buffalo, and the MAC Championship Game with a win over previously-unbeaten Northern Illinois. Campbell had a season-high seven tackles in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl against Pittsburgh.
Buffalo:
Neutz, Oliver, Brim and Way Sign with NFL Teams
BUFFALO, NY – Former University at Buffalo football standouts wide receiver Alex Neutz and running back Branden Oliver signed as undrafted free agents with NFL teams on Saturday. Neutz signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, while Oliver was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts. Also defensive back Derek Brim and defensive end Colby Way have signed rookie free agent contracts with the Buffalo Bills.
Neutz was the Bulls' top receiver in 2013 with 61 catches for 1,024 yards. He became just the second player in school history to have 1,000 receiving yards in two different seasons (he had 1,015 in 2012). He ranked third in the MAC in receiving touchdowns with 12 and had a TD catch in 10 of the 13 games in 2013. His 31 career receiving touchdowns are a school record and he ranks third in school history in both career receptions (195) and career receiving yards (3,094). He was a two-time All-MAC selection, including a spot on the first team in 2013.
Oliver is UB's all-time leading rusher with 4,049 career rushing yards. He became just the 13th player in Mid-American Conference history to rush for over 4,000 yards. His 1,535 yards in 2013 broke his own school record for rushing yards in a single season. He had 20 career 100-yard games – seven more than any other player in school history and his 33 career rushing touchdowns were second all time at UB. Oliver was named to the All-MAC First Team in 2011 and 2013.
Brim originally came to UB as a walk-on wide receiver. By the time his career ended, he blossomed into one of the best safeties in the MAC. In 2013, the hard-hitting Brim had 58 tackles, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He totaled 105 tackles in his two seasons as starting safety.
Way is a three-time Academic All-MAC selection and he ranked second on the team in sacks with five and third on the team in tackles for loss with 8.5. He had 32 total tackles on the season. The State College, PA native had a career-best three sacks at Western Michigan on Oct. 12 en route to earning MAC Player of the Week honors. He finished his career ranked ninth in school history with 15 career sacks.
Central Michigan:
Three Chippewas Earn NFL Opportunities
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Three Central Michigan football players have been given a chance to earn their way onto an NFL roster.
Running back Zurlon Tipton (Indianapolis Colts) and safety Avery Cunningham (St. Louis Rams) have signed free agent contracts while offensive tackle Jake Olson will attend the Detroit Lion’s rookie minicamp.
Tipton was a second team All-MAC selection in 2012 after rushing for 1,492 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was hurt in CMU's first game in 2013, missing seven games before finishing the season strong with 380 yards and seven TDs in the last three games.
A four-year starter, Cunningham finished his career with 294 tackles and four interceptions. Olson started for CMU during his entire career but he also battled injuries throughout this time as a Chippewa.
With Tipton, Cunningham and Olson, Central Michigan is represented by a total of 10 players in the NFL, also including All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Staley (San Francisco 49ers), Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers), 2013 No. 1 overall pick offensive tackle Eric Fisher (Kansas City), linebacker Frank Zombo (Kansas City Chiefs), linebacker Nick Bellore (New York Jets), defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins (New York Giants), cornerback Josh Gordy (Indianapolis Colts), safety Jahleel Addae (San Deigo Chargers) and wide receiver Cody Wilson (Detroit Lions).
Eastern Michigan:
Mycal Swaim Signs Free Agent Contract
YPSILANTI, Mich. — Eastern Michigan University safety Mycal Swaim (Chico, Calif.-Pleasant Valley-Butte C.C.) has signed a free agent contract with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Swaim appeared in 20 games throughout his two-year career at EMU. After transferring from Butte College in Oroville, Calif., Swaim has recorded 101 tackles in two seasons as an Eagle, including 81 last year.
Against Penn State (Sept. 7), the Chico, Calif. native hauled in his first career interception. In EMU's latest victory over Western Michigan, Swaim did his part in the thrilling overtime contest, tying his career-high with nine tackles.
He also took part in the inaugural Medal of Honor Bowl, Jan. 11, in Charleston, S.C.
Kent State:
Nix, Polk and Wollet Getting NFL Opportunity
Roosevelt Nix (Reynoldsburg, Ohio), Darius Polk (Lynchburg, Va.) and Luke Wollet (Poland, Ohio) will each get their shot at the next level, after reaching agreements with NFL teams this past weekend. Following the NFL Draft, Nix signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. Polk signed with the Indianapolis Colts and Wollet accepted an invitation to rookie minicamp with the New Orleans Saints.
All three Kent State players lined up on the defensive side of the ball, but the Falcons may convert Nix into a fullback. A defensive tackle with the Golden Flashes, Nix is the only player in the history of the Mid-American Conference to be named MAC Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman (2010). He is also just the fifth player in MAC history to be named to the All-MAC First Team in four straight seasons.
Polk, a cornerback, earned All-MAC Second Team honors this past season. He was matched up against outstanding receivers throughout the year, including three of the 10 Biletnikoff Award semifinalists. Polk led the Flashes with seven pass breakups and was fourth on the team with 60 tackles.
Wollet, a safety, will be competing a in a three-day minicamp with the Saints, looking to earn a spot on the training camp roster. A three-time All-MAC selection, Wollet led the Flashes with 78 tackles this past season. His 12 career interceptions are tied for the seventh most in Kent State history.
Miami:
Nunley Signs Free Agent Deal With Chargers
Dayonne Nunley, a former member of the Miami University football team, has signed a free agent deal with the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League.
Nunley, a native of Monroeville, Pa., was a three-time first-team All-MAC performer as a defensive back. This past season, the senior recorded 88 tackles, 13 pass breakups and one interception, while starting all 12 games.
In his career, he finished with 260 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 interceptions and two forced fumbles. His 13 interceptions rank second all-time in Miami history.
Brown Inks Free Agent Deal With Texans
Austin Brown, who played defensive tackle for the RedHawks the past five years, has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans on a free agent deal.
Brown started 10 games in 2013, finishing the season with 37 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and a sack. The Woodbridge, Va., native had a season-high six tackles versus Central Michigan and Kent State and blocked a field goal versus in-state rival, Cincinnati.
Brown played in 47 games (43 starts) during his RedHawks' career, compiling 167 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
Northern Illinois:
NIU'S JORDAN LYNCH SIGNS WITH HOMETOWN BEARS;Windsor Also Inks Free Agent Contract
DeKALB, Ill. - Add Northern Illinois University Heisman Trophy finalist Jordan Lynch and defensive end Joe Windsor to the list of Huskies looking to make a National Football League roster this summer.
Lynch, a first team Associated Press All-American as an all-purpose player who twice broke the NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback at NIU, was signed by his hometown team, the Chicago Bears, as a running back Sunday. Kearney, Mo. product Windsor joins 2014 NIU seventh-round draftee Ken Bishop as he signed a free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys to play linebacker Monday.
They join former NIU safety Jimmie Ward, the first-round draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 30 overall selection, as members of the 2013 Huskie senior class who will be in rookie camps in 2014.
NIU Head Coach Rod Carey thinks that both Lynch and Windsor have the ability to make their marks in the NFL.
"Obviously I couldn't be happier for both of them," Carey said. "Jordan is a football player and anytime you have a chance to have a football player on your roster, you take it. The Bears made a great choice in adding the best football player that I've coached. I have no doubt that he'll work extremely hard to prove himself. I'm happy for him and his family and the opportunity he has here in Chicago."
Lynch, a product of Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago, led NIU to a 24-4 record in two seasons as the Huskies' starting quarterback with three wins over Bowl Championship Series teams and a Mid-American Conference Championship. The Huskies never lost a home game during his four active seasons.
He broke 25 school records and set five NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision marks, including breaking the single season and single game marks for rushing yards by a quarterback twice apiece. He accounted for 100 total touchdowns in his four-year Huskie career (51 passing, 48 rushing, one receiving) and averaged 7.1 yards per play for his career.
Lynch made history at NIU in multiple areas - first by leading the Huskies to the first BCS bowl appearance by a Mid-American Conference team when NIU met Florida State in the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl. His third-place finish in the 2013 Heisman Trophy voting gave him the highest finish ever by a MAC player for the top college football award.
Carey has no doubt that Lynch can excel at any position.
"He's a great football player," Carey said. "He'll adjust and be able to [play running back]. I'll look forward to seeing him. There is no doubt in my mind that he can be great."
Windsor played 53 games in four seasons on the NIU defensive line and compiled 99 tackles with 12 quarterback sacks and 22 tackles for loss. As a junior in 2012, the 6-0, 240-pound end had a career-best 10 tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks before adding 4.5 sacks and eight TFLs in 2013.
Windsor is looking to follow a similar path to the NFL as that taken by 2012 senior Alan Baxter, a defensive end at NIU who spent part of last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an outside linebacker and will be in camp with the Indianapolis Colts this season. The Cowboys list Windsor as a linebacker on their free agent list.
"Joe had an outstanding career at NIU and really came a long way as a person and a player," Carey said. "I'm happy to see him get an opportunity to go down to Dallas and show what he can do. I have the utmost confidence in him that he'll work hard and have a great chance to make the team."
Ohio:
Foster Signs Free Agent Deal with the Minnesota Vikings
ATHENS, Ohio - Former Ohio University football wide receiver Donte' Foster has signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
In addition, former Bobcats Beau Blankenship (Jacksonville Jaguars), Ryan Boykin (New Orleans Saints), Ryan McGrath (New Orleans Saints) and John Prior (Detroit Lions) all earned tryouts.
Foster (Guthrie, Okla.) inked a free agent contract with the Vikings after posting one of the most successful careers in school history, finishing in the Top 10 of 13 all-time career categories. His senior campaign in 2013 was his finest year as a Bobcat as he finished with career-highs in receptions (69) and receiving yards (1,018). He also hauled in seven touchdowns en route to earning All-MAC Second Team honors.
Blankenship (Norman, Okla.) earned a tryout big with the Jaguars following an Ohio career that saw him rush for over 2,900 yards on the ground in just three years in Athens. As a senior, he rushed for 910 yards and five touchdowns. As a junior, Blankenship posted the finest single season rushing performance in school history, dashing for 1,604 yards on the ground. He also scored 15 touchdowns.
Boykin (Woodstock, Ga.) obtained a tryout with the Saints after his led the team with eight touchdowns during his senior year. The former Bobcat running back rushed for over 1,400 yards throughout his four-year Bobcat career and scored 17 total touchdowns. As a junior in 2012, Boykin averaged 6.0 yards per carry and rushed for a career-high 445 yards.
McGrath (Duncansville, Pa.) will receive a tryout with the Saints following a year where he logged 437 plays during the regular season on the Bobcats' offensive line. During those 437 plays, McGrath posted a 1.82 grade and recorded 30 pancake blocks. He also helped pave the way for four 200-yard plus rushing games.
Prior (Portsmouth, Ohio) earned a tryout with the Lions after he made nine starts during the 2013 campaign. In those nine starts, Prior logged 495 plays and graded out a 1.85. He also tallied 26 pancakes and 37 knockdowns on the year.
Toledo:
Five Former Rockets Sign NFL Free Agent Contracts
TOLEDO - Five former University of Toledo football players signed as undrafted free agents with NFL teams today.
Running back David Fluellen (Philadelphia Eagles), wide receiver Bernard Reedy (Atlanta Falcons), defensive end Jayrone Elliott (Green Bay Packers), quarterback Terrance Owens (Pittsburgh Steelers) and center Zac Kerin (Minnesota Vikings) came to terms with NFL teams soon after the end of today's final day of the NFL draft.
"I'm very proud of the young men who signed with NFL teams today," said Toledo head coach Matt Campbell. "This is the first step for them in their pursuit of their dreams of playing professional football. I have no doubt that they are ready for the challenge."
Elliott earned first-team all-league honors as a senior after racking up 9.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss. "I feel very blessed by my situation and am looking forward to playing for Green Bay," said Elliott, who is flying to Green Bay on Sunday. "Green Bay stayed in touch with me and I feel like it is the best fit for me. I have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder because I feel like I was a draftable player, so I look forward to going to Green Bay and showing them what I can do."
Reedy, a two-time all-conference selection who caught 254 passes in his Rocket career, was not surprised that he ended up signing with the Falcons. He will be reporting to Atlanta on Sunday. "I kind of saw it coming," said Reedy, who relaxed today by bowling with some friends. "Atlanta was interested in me all along. I'm very excited to be joining the Falcons."
Fluellen is a two-time first-team All-MAC pick who rushed for 1,121 yards as senior and 1,498 yards as a junior. "I had no idea where I would end up but I'm very happy to be going to Philadelphia," said Fluellen.
Kerin was a three-time All-MAC selection and a two-time Academic All-MAC pick.
Owens was third-team all-conference pick as a senior, throwing for more than 8,000 yards in four seasons as Toledo's signal-caller.
UMass:
Anthony Dima Signs Free Agent Contract With Cleveland Browns
AMHERST, Mass. - The Cleveland Browns announced Monday that former UMass offensive tackle Anthony Dima has signed an undrafted free agent contract with the franchise following the 2014 NFL Draft. Dima was one of 11 players who signed free agent deals with the Browns in Monday's announcement.
Dima stands a strong chance of making the club if UMass' recent history holds true as several former Minutemen have become key figures on NFL teams after signing as undrafted free agents. Perhaps two of the most well known to do so are Victor Cruz of the New York Giants and James Ihedigbo who signed earlier this offseason with the Detroit Lions. Both players have gone from free agents signees to Super Bowl Champions following their UMass careers.
Dima also brings UMass' current NFL player list to 13 following Rob Blanchflower being drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to Dima and Blanchflower, Jeremy Cain, Michael Cox, Cruz, Vladimir Ducasse, John Griffin, Ihedigbo, Emil Igwenagu, Stephane Milhim, Jeromy Miles, Josh Samuda and Julian Talley are all on current NFL rosters.
Dima earned Mid-American Conference All-Conference Third Team honors following the 2013 campaign. The fifth-year senior started every game but one for the Minutemen last season and was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List during the preseason.
A native of Centereach, N.Y., Dima finished his career making 31 starts in 34 games for the Minutemen including 11 starts in 2013. The mainstay at left tackle last year helped UMass dramatically improve its pass protection allowing just 16 sacks compared to 32 sacks in 2012. The Minutemen were tied for fifth in the league for fewest sacks allowed in 2013.
Dima also helped the offense's run game improve in year two at the Football Bowl Subdivision. UMass rushed for over 1,500 yards on the ground averaging 125.2 yards per game in 2013 compared to 1,075 yards rushing and an 89.6 yard per game average in 2012.
The 6-foot-7, 302 pound tackle was considered one of UMass' top NFL prospects from the 2013 squad. Entering the 2013 season, Dima was also named to the Phi Steele Preseason All-MAC Team before being placed on the Outland Trophy Watch List.
He started his collegiate career at Hofstra in 2009 before the Pride dropped its football program. He transferred to UMass in 2010 and became a full time starter in 2011.
