Like panning for gold, the Washington Redskins will be looking for nuggets who can help the team at this weekend’s rookie minicamp at Redskins Park.
The Redskins invited 60 undrafted and unsigned hopefuls for a shot at their dream to make an NFL club. Washington is holding three roster spot open through the minicamp. Whoever passes this audition will be invited to the team minicamp in June.
The formal end of the draft is not the end of draft activity. The Redskins signed nine undrafted free agents (UDFA) on Tuesday for a chance to compete. Sam Hollenbach, a fifth year quarterback from the nearby University of Maryland Terrapins, is the headliner of the group. He earned honorable mention All-ACC after throwing a career 5,139 yards, with a 131.0 QB rating last season. He will compete against Texas-El Paso QB Jordan Palmer, selected in the sixth round, for a shot to make the team.
The Skins signed LSU nickel-back Daniel Francis as a UFDA. Francis excelled on the LSU Tiger special teams. That may be his ticket to make the team. He finished his college career with 76 solo tackles, and 3.5 sacks in 2006.
Justin Hickman, DE, UCLA, was signed as an UDFA. He’s a “tweener” with ability, but may be light to play defensive end in a 4-3 alignment. He earned All-Pac-10 honors and very effective when he had a clean lane to rush the passer. The Redskins also signed Connecticut running back Terry Caulley, Maryland offensive lineman Stephon Heyer, Oklahoma linebacker Zach Latimer, Youngstown State running back Marcus Mason, Youngstown State center Ryan Jewell, Boston College wide receiver Taylor Sele and Virginia wide receiver Deyon Williams, and free agent kicker Tyler Fredrickson.
Marcus Mason hails from nearby Potomac, Maryland.
Byron Westbrook, brother of Philadelphia Eagle Brian Westbrook, is trying out for the team. He is a 5-10, 195-pound cornerback out of Salisbury (Md.) University, a Division III school. He had 18 interceptions in his career at Salisbury and he also returned punts and kickoffs. Carl Berman, Indiana State’s leading receiver last season, has been invited to the Redskins’ mini-camp, but has not signed a contract with the team. He caught 59 passes for 783 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Sycamores.
The University of New Hampshire’s left guard Tucker Peterson was invited Monday to the minicamp. Peterson was named first team All-Atlantic 10. He will be looked at for the spot vacated by Derrick Dockery. Penn State defensive lineman Jim Shaw was invited to compete for a contract. Shaw started at tackle and end for the Nittany Lions in his junior and senior season, but was injured early each season. He finished each year with good showing in Bowl games. Shaw is noted for his strength after benchpressing 225 pounds for 35 reps at his Pro Day.
The Redskins invited Jesse Wendt, wide receiver for Division III Wisconsin-Stout, to the minicamp. Wendt, 6-3, 228 lbs., ran a 4.45 40. He was the leading receiver for Stout and was named to the honorable mention WIAC team. The rookies report to minicamp this evening. Try-outs take place from Friday through Sunday. The Redskins rookie minicamp is closed to the public.
Redskins rookies to start schooling.
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