NASHVILLE, Tennessee - A trio of Tennessee State University football players signed undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams over the weekend. Rico Council (Atlanta Falcons), Donte'e Nicholls (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Joseph Wylie (Miami Dolphins) all inked deals for an opportunity to make the 53-man roster in the fall.
Council, the 2011 Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year, signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. In 11 games last season, the linebacker netted 87 tackles (50 solo), 8.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. A native of Chattanooga, Council had 12 tackles in a game at Eastern Kentucky, 11 against Jackson State and 10 against each Murray State and UT Martin.
Council finished his four-year career with 295 tackles, which was second in TSU history behind only his head coach Rod Reed. In addition to being a first team All-OVC selection and Defensive Player of the Year, Council garnered Sports Network FCS All-American and HBCU All-American status.
Nicholls spent three seasons with Tennessee State after transferring from the University of South Carolina. The Pompano Beach, Fla., product played in 33 games in a Big Blue uniform, amassing 89 tackles and 14.5 tackles-for-loss in his career.
Wylie, a native Fort Lauderdale, Fla., signed a deal as a defensive back with the Miami Dolphins. In 2011, the University of Miami transfer had 66 tackles, an interception that he returned 59 yards for a touchdown and a forced fumble in 2011. The senior was named first team defense All-OVC for 2011 and earned Boxtorow Honorable Mention All-American status. Wylie completed 113 tackles in his three-year career at TSU.
"It goes to show you that we are recruiting the right guys," said Reed. "These young men made a considerable contribution to the program. Hopefully, they will do well in camp and make a NFL roster in the fall. This is a great opportunity for them and our program."
These three young men join five other TSU alums already in the NFL: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Philadelphia Eagles), Lamar Divens (Tennessee Titans), Anthony Levine (Green Bay Packers), Cecil Newton (Baltimore Ravens) and Javarris Williams (Houston Texans).
Various NFL rookie camps are expected to begin as early as this week.
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY NFL UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
LB Rico Council - Chattanooga, Tenn. - Atlanta Falcons
DL Donte'e Nicholls - Pompano Beach, Fla. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DB Joseph Wylie - Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - Miami Dolphins
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
No comments:
Post a Comment