Four Alabama State Hornets To Get NFL Opportunity

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Former Alabama State players Terren Jones, Kejuan Riley,  Saeed Lee and Greg Jenkins will get the opportunity to pursue an NFL career.

Jones has signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons, and will be joined in Atlanta by Riley and Lee, both of whom will get tryouts in rookie camp. Jenkins will have a tryout with the Raiders.

“It's a blessing,” Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow said. “These four guys have been great players for the University. I'm proud of them. The opportunity is all they can ask for. Nigel Carr was given this same chance last year, and he made the best of it (with the eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens). I'm confident all four of these gentlemen can play in the NFL. This is outstanding for our program to have four guys get an opportunity at the NFL level. I commend our coaches for doing a good job in recruiting these talented players and know they will represent us well.”

Jones (6-7, 320, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., played in the Raycom All-Star Game in January, was named to  six All-America team this offseason: Sheridan Broadcasting Network, The Sports Network, American Football Coaches Association, the Associated Press, Boxtorow.com, and College Sporting News.  In 2012, the three-time All-SWAC selection helped the Hornets gain more than 400 yards four times and score at least 30 points in six consecutive games. Alabama State rushed for more than 2,000 yards this season with a conference-best 31 rushing touchdowns.

“It's a huge blessing,” Jones said. “They didn't draft any linemen, so I knew I needed to jump on this opportunity. I look forward to the opportunity to compete.”

Riley (6-2, 208, Wetumkpa, Ala.) was another consensus All-America selection: Sheridan Broadcasting Network, Sports Network, American Football Coaches Association, Boxtorow.com, and College Sporting News. Riley, who played in the 2013 East-West Shrine Game, completed his stellar career as Alabama State's career leader in both interceptions (21) and interception return yards (348). Riley, who led or tied for the conference lead in interceptions each of the final three years, finished his career with 231 tackles (145 solo) with four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also averaged 22.3 yards on 15 kick returns and 7.5 yards on 28 punt returns during his career.

“This is a great chance for me to show I can compete with the best and show everybody I belong,” Riley said. “Going into this process, I felt all I needed was one opportunity. I'm going in with a chip on my shoulder and it's going to stay there.”

Lee (5-11, 160, SR, Miami, Fla.)was a two-year starter and four-year letterman for the Hornets, and finished his career 115 tackles (71 solo) with five interceptions, a pair of sacks and four fumble recoveries. Lee, along with Jones, played in the Raycom All-Star Game in January.

“It's a great blessing from God,” Lee said. “However, I haven't done anything yet. It's great to have my teammates there. Coming from the same school, we have the same chip on our shoulders to prove ourselves.”

Jenkins (6-1, 205, SR, Dade City, Fla.), who graduated from Alabama State earlier in December with a degree in criminal justice, finished his Hornet athletic career ranked sixth in total offense (4,003 yards) and eighth in passing yards (3,166). Jenkins, who played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and played both quarterback and wide receiver during the practice week and in the game, accounted for 35 touchdowns (20 passing/15 rushing) in winning 13 of 19 career starts while playing in 21 career games in two seasons with the Hornets. This past season, Jenkins set career highs in passing yards (1,691), rushing yards (507) and rushing touchdowns (eight) while passing for nine touchdowns.

“It's a blessing to have this opportunity,” Jenkins said, who will likely get his NFL opportunity at the receiver position. “I can't wait to get back on the field.”


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