Seven TSU Tigers Enter NFL Camps

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Seven former Tennessee State football players are set to open NFL Fall Camps including 2014 draftees Kadeem Edwards and Demetrius Rhaney.

Edwards was drafted in the fourth round, the 143rd overall pick, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Edwards has a solid shot to start as a rookie for the Bucs, after starting 13 games for the Tigers, who finished the season 10-4 overall, 6-2 and second place in the OVC.

An explosive Pro Day by Rhaney caused the St. Louis Rams to call his name in the seventh round, pick No. 250. Rhaney played in all 14 games his senior campaign in 2013, starting 13 at center

The 2014 draft marks the first time since 2000 for two Tigers to go in the same draft. Tackle Michael Thompson was selected in the 4th round, #100, by the Atlanta Falcons, while receiver Avion Black was taken 21 picks later by the Buffalo Bills.

The two offensive lineman are joined by AC Leonard (Vikings) and David Van Dyke (Chiefs) who inked contracts after the draft. Leonard finished second on the Tigers with 34 receptions and 441 yards, while Van Dyke picked off four passes and made 58 stops.

In addition to Edwards and Rhaney, offensive lineman Rogers Gaines enters camp with the New York Giants after spending much of his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens. While in Baltimore, Gaines was a teammate of former Tiger Anthony Levine who already has a pair of Super Bowl Rings.

NFL veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie joins Gaines on the Giants, Cromartie’s fourth team in seven years. In his career, Cromartie has amassed 246 stops (222 solo), 19 interceptions and five touchdowns and appeared in two Super Bowls including last year with the Denver Broncos.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION