While summer is in full swing, there is still plenty taking place on the gridiron as four former Eastern Michigan University football players have signed Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) contracts with National Football League organizations in the last month.
Former quarterback turned wide receiver Alex Gillett, tight end Garrett Hoskins, long snapper Mike Zupancic anddefensive linemen Andy Mulumba signed with NFL teams and Mulumba was selected second overall in the Canadian Football League draft.
This past Wednesday, Gillett signed with the Green Bay Packers and became the team’s 11th wide receiver on its 90-man roster.
Gillett had previously been invited to the Washington Redskins mini-camp.
“I think the Packers made a nice signing with Alex,”Student Equipment Manager Courtney Jackson said. “He’s an athlete with experience, strong hands, and leadership qualities.”
The 6-foot-1, 214-pounder played the majority of his four-year EMU career as a quarterback finishing his time as an Eagle with 4,448 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions.
Late last season, Gillett was shifted to wide receiver and had 14 receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown in his three starts.
At EMU’s pro-day, he clocked in at 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash and showed off his leaping ability with a 38-1/2” vertical jump.
Gillett is one of seven receivers on Green Bay’s roster who are either rookies or second-year players.
With Greg Jennings signing a five-year, $47.5 million deal with the Vikings and Donald Driver’s sudden retirement, there is a realistic chance that Gillett will be able to show the coaching staff the skills necessary to make it to the 53-man roster in September.
On April 30, Mulumba also signed with the Packers and was picked second overall in the CFL Draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on May 6.
Although there were teams in the CFL who passed up on Mulumba because of his signing with the Packers, Joe Mack, Winnipeg’s General Manager and Vice President of Football Operations was willing to take a gamble.
“Mulumba and the other players who signed NFL deals are likely to end up north of the border sooner rather than later,” Mack told the Winnipeg Sun in an interview.
Jackson disagreed with Mack’s statement.
“Andy Mulumba possesses both size and strength, as well as the potential that would allow him to succeed in the [National Football] league,” Jackson responded.
In his EMU career, the 6-foot-3, 262-pound Mulumba recorded 73 tackles to go along with seven quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.
At EMU’s pro day, Mulumba completed the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds, had a vertical leap of 36 inches and benched 225 pounds, 23 times.
Hoskins was one of 18 undrafted free agents who signed with the Cleveland Browns on April 30.
“Hoskins was recognized as one of the best tight ends in the country this past season,” Jackson said.
“His pass catching skills should aid him very well in Cleveland’s new system.”
The Browns are looking into converting him from tight end to fullback.
In 2012, the 6-foot-2, 254 pound Hoskins led the Eagles in catches with 38 receptions for 542 yards and three touchdowns.
Hoskins finished his career with 74 catches for 1,135 yards and eight touchdowns.
At EMU’s pro day, he ran a time of 4.97 in the 40-yard dash, had a 28.5 inch vertical and benched 225 pounds, 20 times.
On May 3, Zupancic agreed to terms with the New England Patriots.
Zupancic was named special teams Most Valuable Player in 2011 and 2012. He was a 2013 Michigan College Senior Bowl selection.
Other Notable EMU Signings:
Former punter Jay Karutz was invited to the Chicago Bears’ mini-camp.
Originally from Australia, Karutz finished his EMU career fourth all-time in punting average (40.1) and punting yardage (8,063).
Former offensive lineman Korey Neal was invited to the Washington Redskins’ mini-camp.
In his four seasons at EMU, Neal played in 39 games.
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Follow Eugene Evans on Twitter: @EasternEchoGeno.
