4 MSU football players reach deals with NFL teams
Wiley, Long and Kershaw join Hoyer in signing with teams after going undrafted
By Alex Altman and Jacob Carpenter (Last updated: 04/27/09 10:36pm)Four Spartan football players that weren’t selected in last weekend’s NFL Draft have signed with teams as of Monday, and a fifth has a tryout with a pro team.
Hoyer
Wiley
Quarterback Brian Hoyer, who wasn’t drafted after seven rounds, signed with the New England Patriots.
Safety Otis Wiley, a captain on MSU’s 9-4 team last year, signed with the Detroit Lions. The State News previously reported Wiley had signed with the New York Giants.
Defensive end Brandon Long, who impressed pro scouts with his athleticism in pre-draft workouts, signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
Defensive tackle Justin Kershaw, a three-year starter on the defensive line, signed with the Carolina Panthers.
Right tackle Jesse Miller also earned a May 7 tryout with the New York Giants, said John Lewandowski, MSU’s associate athletics director. No papers between the two parties have been signed, Lewandowski said.
MSU running back Javon Ringer was the only Spartan football player selected in the draft when he went to the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round.
Posted 1:43 p.m.
Originally Published: 04/27/09 1:43pm
hater
04/27/09 3:37pmI can’t believe anyone wanted Hoyer, he is terrible. I hope he ends up getting released and never plays in the NFL.
Hard to watch
04/27/09 4:38pmGlad to see Hoyer got picked up today. It was pretty tough to watch Hoyer every time that the ESPN cameras flashed check up on his reaction as picks ticked by. Hopefully he can make the team backing up Brady in NE
sandee
04/27/09 11:24pmI consider it an Insult that the NFL didnt pride itself in drafting first hand any of these fine young men. Teams will be sorry in the long run that they didnt draft these men first.
Scott
04/28/09 12:01amill admit i wasnt a hoyer fan this year. But everything i heard leading up to the draft had me thinking he would be drafted around the 6th round. I am very suprised him and otis wiley went undrafted. Its cool wiley may get a chance to get PT on a horrible team lol
spartan
04/28/09 7:58pmBrandon Long will make it in the NFL. His great attitude, hustle, and athleticism will make a great special teams player on any team.
Josh
04/28/09 9:42pmAll four players are very mediocre.. Im guessing they get released and jump from team to team trying to make the practice squad at the most. Pro players will dominate these guys. They have a better future in the Canadian Footbal League or across seas in Europe where the competition is also average. Ringer and Otis were the only standouts in a Big Ten conference that was plagued with mediocre talent. I am not saying these guys are horrible they just aren’t that good.