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yoyoyo898989 wrote:Michael McGrew WR Virginia (would've been 3rd round talent two years ago if not for broken leg)

Springdale grad invited to Washington Redskins' rookie camp

By Paul Kogut
VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Brian Godfrey beat cancer. Now he's trying to beat the odds.

Godfrey, a Springdale graduate whose cancer is in remission, was invited as an unsigned free agent to the Washington Redskins' rookie camp this weekend at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. The camp is closed to the public.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Godfrey overcame health problems and became a standout nose guard at Division II Slippery Rock University before graduating in December.

"I'm going in with the hopes of making the roster," said Godfrey, 23, of Cheswick. "I don't want to go in thinking I'm just a Division II kid. A lot of teams passed on me because of my health history."

Godfrey, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in 2000, went undrafted this past weekend.

"Several teams were interested in him, but his health was an issue that came up before the draft," said Ralph Cindrich, Godfrey's agent.

Godfrey underwent chemotherapy treatments, although he continued to lift weights. He returned to the football field in 2001 after the cancer was declared to be in remission.

Since then, Godfrey was named first team all-conference three consecutive times and played in the NCAA Division II all-star game in January.

"There's no doubt in my mind that once the Redskins see Brian physically and go through basic drills, that he'll sign a contract," Slippery Rock coach George Mihalik said.

Five Slippery Rock players have made it to the NFL in Mihalik's 17 years, he said.

Godfrey wasn't thinking about joining the NFL after being diagnosed with cancer five years ago.

"At that time, it didn't cross my mind," Godfrey said. "My goal was to go back and start for Slippery Rock. That was the only thing on my mind. The NFL didn't enter the equation. Then I went back and had a solid freshman season. That's when some people started talking, and I started thinking about it."

During his senior season, Godfrey collected 25 solo and 11 assisted tackles, three quarterback sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble in 11 games.

The Godfreys have received numerous phone calls from well-wishers since last week. After Brian got the invitation to rookie camp, they placed a Redskins logo in their front window.

In 2000, Godfrey sat out a season at Slippery Rock, but couldn't stay away from the gridiron and served as a volunteer assistant coach at Springdale.

"As a young person, he showed what he is all about," Springdale coach Chuck Wagner said. "He has great parents and a lot of community support. And he stood in there and did it all. He displayed class and courage the way he handled the whole situation."

The Redskins called Slippery Rock Monday to get Godfrey's uniform sizes. Now, he'll try to prove he's a good fit.

"He was literally blessed with a second chance after cancer," his mother, Bonnie, said.

Paul Kogut can be reached at pkogut@tribweb.com or (724) 226-4689.

philadopolis wrote:Tyler Luebke, DT, Iowa (signed)

The Hawkeyes defensive tackle, who signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent 10 minutes after the draft's conclusion on Sunday, started at Iowa as a walk-on.

Louisiana Tech offensive lineman Adrian Gonzalez and defensive end Jemelle Cage will participate in this weekend's rookie mini-camp for the Washington Redskins.

Maryland wide receiver Rich Parson and defensive back Ray Custis are among at least 12 undrafted rookies who have signed with the Redskins. The club will release the list today. Terrapins safety Chris Kelley, running back Sammy Maldonado, wide receiver Steve Suter and defensive end Kevin Eli are expected among the unsigned players trying out at this week's rookie minicamp.

Maldonado in Washington
By THE JOURNAL NEWS
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: April 27, 2005)


Sammy Maldonado, the former Harrison High running back who finished his college career at Maryland last season and wasn't picked in the NFL draft last weekend, hopes to land a job when he attends the Washington Redskins' mini-camp this weekend.

Dan Weatherell, one of the Mississippi-based agents representing Maldonado, said Washington has invited a handful of undrafted players to try out during its regularly scheduled mini-camp.

The Redskins might decide to sign one or more players from that group and invite them to training camp in July.

The Redskins already have a local product on the team, yesterday signing Fordham defensive lineman Aki Jones to a free-agent contract.

Crossley invited to 'Skins' camp

By STEVE DAY, DAILY SUN

TAMPA - Former South Sumter High School star Clenton "Boobie" Crossley has been invited to the Washington Redskins minicamp this weekend in Ashburn, Va. Crossley's agent, David Canter, had been in negotiations with numerous teams concerning the 5-foot-10, 210-pound fullback.

"My agent has been working hard at it," Crossley said.

Crossley completed his career at the University of South Florida as the school's No. 2 all-time rusher. He finished his career with 1,763 rushing yards on 366 carries and caught 56 passes for 368 yards. He scored 17 touchdowns rushing and four on receptions for the Bulls during his career.

Jake wrote:

yoyoyo898989 wrote:Michael McGrew WR Virginia (would've been 3rd round talent two years ago if not for broken leg)

Link?

Here's a good story about a mini-camp invitee.

Springdale grad invited to Washington Redskins' rookie camp

By Paul Kogut
VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Brian Godfrey beat cancer. Now he's trying to beat the odds.

Godfrey, a Springdale graduate whose cancer is in remission, was invited as an unsigned free agent to the Washington Redskins' rookie camp this weekend at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. The camp is closed to the public.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Godfrey overcame health problems and became a standout nose guard at Division II Slippery Rock University before graduating in December.

"I'm going in with the hopes of making the roster," said Godfrey, 23, of Cheswick. "I don't want to go in thinking I'm just a Division II kid. A lot of teams passed on me because of my health history."

Godfrey, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in 2000, went undrafted this past weekend.

"Several teams were interested in him, but his health was an issue that came up before the draft," said Ralph Cindrich, Godfrey's agent.

Godfrey underwent chemotherapy treatments, although he continued to lift weights. He returned to the football field in 2001 after the cancer was declared to be in remission.

Since then, Godfrey was named first team all-conference three consecutive times and played in the NCAA Division II all-star game in January.

"There's no doubt in my mind that once the Redskins see Brian physically and go through basic drills, that he'll sign a contract," Slippery Rock coach George Mihalik said.

Five Slippery Rock players have made it to the NFL in Mihalik's 17 years, he said.

Godfrey wasn't thinking about joining the NFL after being diagnosed with cancer five years ago.

"At that time, it didn't cross my mind," Godfrey said. "My goal was to go back and start for Slippery Rock. That was the only thing on my mind. The NFL didn't enter the equation. Then I went back and had a solid freshman season. That's when some people started talking, and I started thinking about it."

During his senior season, Godfrey collected 25 solo and 11 assisted tackles, three quarterback sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble in 11 games.

The Godfreys have received numerous phone calls from well-wishers since last week. After Brian got the invitation to rookie camp, they placed a Redskins logo in their front window.

In 2000, Godfrey sat out a season at Slippery Rock, but couldn't stay away from the gridiron and served as a volunteer assistant coach at Springdale.

"As a young person, he showed what he is all about," Springdale coach Chuck Wagner said. "He has great parents and a lot of community support. And he stood in there and did it all. He displayed class and courage the way he handled the whole situation."

The Redskins called Slippery Rock Monday to get Godfrey's uniform sizes. Now, he'll try to prove he's a good fit.

"He was literally blessed with a second chance after cancer," his mother, Bonnie, said.

Paul Kogut can be reached at pkogut@tribweb.com or (724) 226-4689.

2004 OUTLOOK

A proven veteran performer on the offensive line who, with a total of 18 career starts under his belt, looks to be a leader on the line in 2004 .. Is listed atop the depth chart at the strongside tackle spot, where he's played primarily, but has the ability to move over to the weakside tackle position if called upon.

2003 SEASON

Was a key part of the offensive line that paved the way for a Tiger offensive attack that ranked 6th in the nation and led the Big 12 Conference in rushing ... Mizzou rushed for 38 TDs and broke the school single-season scoring record, with 399 pts. (old record was 368 in 1997) ... MU's 3,087 rushing yards ranks as 2nd-highest in school history, trailing only the 1942 (3,230 yds.) squad ... Mizzou had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers (Brad Smith w/1,406 yds. & Zack Abron w/1,155 yds.) in the same season for the 1st time in school history ... MU also led the nation in fewest turnovers (13 in 13 games), a year after leading the country in the same category (12 in 12 games in 2002) ... Was part of a two-man rotation at strongside tackle and started 6 games on the year.

2002 SEASON

Developed into a quality tackle who helped guide the way for the third-most potent offensive team in Missouri school history (with 360 points) ... Started all 12 games at strongside tackle opposite weakside mate Rob Droege, and provided MU one of the stronger tackle duos in the Big 12 Conference ... Stayed in the lineup late in the year despite playing the last third of the way with an injured arm ... Helped pave the way for freshman quarterback Brad Smith's record-breaking season that saw him become only the second player in NCAA Division IA history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards ... Was named team offensive player of the week three times during the season (Ball State, Troy State and Colorado).

2001 SEASON

Young offensive lineman that made great strides during the 2001 campaign ... Increased his strength, weight and quickness in the Tigers' strength and conditioning program ... Also became a much more polished offensive lineman ... Did a superb job all season long on the scout team offense ... Voted the "Most Improved" offensive lineman in the spring.

2000 SEASON

Redshirt year ... Spent his first year on campus working on scout teams and increasing size, speed and strength in Tiger strength and conditioning program.

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the top offensive lineman in the Los Angeles area ... First team All-South Coast League ... Orange County Register All-County first team selection and Los Angeles Times All-County first team pick.

PERSONAL

Son of Greg and Dinah Paffrath ... Father is a district manager for UPS ... High school coach - Bob Johnson ... Born Sept. 13, 1981 in Chesterfield, Mo. ... Raised in St. Louis area for 11 years ... Academic interest - business.

Redskins Sign 12 Undrafted Rookies
By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
April 29, 2004

The Redskins signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents to the roster on Wednesday.
The team hopes to uncover a few hidden gems among the rookies; in years past, the Redskins have discovered Antonio Pierce, Ifeanyi Ohalete, Sultan McCullough, Ade Jimoh and Garnell Wilds among the yearly pool of undrafted rookies.

Defensive back Ray Custis and wide receiver Rich Parson are local products signed to the squad. Both played their college ball at the University of Maryland.

The complete list is as follows:


Steven Harris, WR, Arkansas
Tiger Jones, WR, Louisville
Rich Parson, WR, Maryland
Jason Samples, WR, Troy State
Ray Custis, DB, Maryland
David Kashetta, TE, Boston College
Aki Jones, DL, Fordham
Tyler Luebke, DL, Iowa
Jerome Nichols, DL, Wake Forest
Brett Hodge, OL, Nebraska-Omaha
Scott Paffrath, OL, Missouri
All of the rookies are expected to be on hard for the rookie camp starting this Friday, April 29, and running through Sunday, May 1. Note: the rookie camp is closed to the public.

All of the rookies are expected to be on hard for the rookie camp starting this Friday, April 29, and running through Sunday, May 1. Note: the rookie camp is closed to the public.

John Manfreda wrote:Does anyone know anything about these guys. Are there any sleepers?

The team hopes to uncover a few hidden gems among the rookies; in years past, the Redskins have discovered ... , Ade Jimoh ... among the yearly pool of undrafted rookies.