I’m no NFL expert and I steadfastly do not claim to be. All I know is that it seems from sheer numbers that Division III has had a banner draft and free agent season.
Rob Rodriguez, the Christopher Newport defensive back who was a senior in 2006, got his name added to the list and will be in the Kansas City Chiefs’ minicamp this weekend. That means nearly a dozen new D-III players will be in camps along with the two draftees. And we had two draftees for the second year in a row.
The D-III/NFL connection was looking a little light in recent years, after Ethan Brooks, R.J. Bowers, R-Kal Truluck and Bill Schroeder left the game. But Fred Jackson was a nice addition to the NFL contingent last season and Rodriguez is another alumnus who has stuck with the game. Former UW-Whitewater tight end Pete Schmitt is working out with the Washington Redskins during their offseason period and is in their minicamp this weekend after entering training camp with the team last year. John Carroll’s London Fletcher continues to carry the flag for Division III players in the league and Trinity (Texas) grad Jerheme Urban got some notice as an Arizona Cardinal last season.
Won’t argue with it and won’t try to explain it. Just hope Division III fans can enjoy the ride.
The Packers have room for four of their minicamp tryout players on their roster, and Justin Beaver is one of 19 players there. Running back Lance Ball of Maryland is also there.
Green Bay Press-Gazette story
Another Beaver story, with a little more detail, from the Wisconsin State Journal.
I guess the Cardinals signed two Bryan Robinsons because the profile they have on the site sure doesn’t fit Wesley’s B Rob.
UMHB is proud of Jerell Freeman. He signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans. I’m not surprised because he was a monster on D.
UMHB fans are hoping UWW RB Justin Beaver gets a deal as well. He is a class act. The team that lands him, will be grateful later. All he needs is a chance, maybe the Packers will give him the 4th roster/80 spot since he did not make it this weekend.
Anyone hear how UWW”s A.J Raebal performed in Minnesota? Did he get a spot or sign a deal?
Does Justin Beaver have a tryout scheduled with another NFL club? If not, maybe he can prove himself in Canada via to the NFL.
I suspect Rich Rodriguez’s experience with the Chiefs is a familiar story for Division III players.
And Ryan Hoag’s experience with television pseudo-celebrity is probably less common, but still interesting.
Thanks to Purple Suit for highlighting this on the message boards.