Six Canes Sign As Undrafted Free Agents
From the time they strapped on a helmet for the first time, every kid probably dreamed of having their name called during the NFL Draft.
For some, the dream comes true. For others, who don't hear their names called over the now three-day roll call, they have to take a more scenic route.
But taking the route of the undrafted rookie free agent doesn't mean that it can't lead to a prosperous career in the NFL.
Six former University of Miami players are taking the more scenic route, signing as rookie free agents after this year's NFL Draft.
Receiver Rashawn Scott gets a chance to stay pretty close to his college home as he signed with the Miami Dolphins. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Scott overcame injuries and ending up leading the Hurricanes in receiving this past season – finishing with 52 receptions for 695 yards and five touchdowns.
While Scott gets to stay in sunny South Florida, Herb Waters may have to invest in a winter coat as he signed a rookie free-agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.
Waters and Scott can look to former Canes pass catcher Allen Hurns for motivation. Hurns was an undrafted rookie free agent signee of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. As a rookie, Hurns played in all 16 games – starting half of them – and caught six touchdown passes that year. He followed that up by totaling 1,031 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015 and is arguably the Jaguars' No. 1 target.
To all the undrafted fellas I FEEL YOUR PAIN. It will be an non-stop grind but gotta make the most of your opportunities. Rise above #faith
— Allen Hurns (@A1hurns) April 30, 2016
Things always play out, it's just a matter of time
— Allen Hurns (@A1hurns) April 30, 2016
Cornerback Tracy Howard signed with the Cleveland Browns. Howard, who came to UM from Miramar High School as one of the top defensive back prospects in the country, will be reunited with his college teammate Randy "Duke" Johnson – a third-round pick of the Browns a year ago.
Linebacker Tyriq McCord will also be linking back up with a couple of college teammate as he signed a free-agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who drafted cornerback Artie Burns with the 25th overall pick in this year's draft and selected former Miami defensive end Anthony Chickillo in 2015.
McCord, a 6-foot-2, 240-pounder who recorded 14 sacks in his college career and ran 4.78 in the 40 at UM's pro day, could come in and be a pass rushing outside backer for the Steelers, but he'd have to compete with a handful of veteran players – Chickillo included.
Defensive linemen Ufomba Kamalu and Calvin Heurtelou signed with the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos respectively.
As of Sunday morning, Miami had a total of eight players from last year's roster to either be drafted or sign rookie free agent deals. Safety Deon Bush was the other draftee, being selected in the fourth round – 124th overall – by the Chicago Bears.
Linebacker and Canes captain in 2015 Raphael Kirby still hasn't signed. Kirby sustained a season-ending knee injury in October but was invited to the NFL Combine.