clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Hokies in the NFL

Gobbler Country takes a look at the performance of the drafted and undrafted rookies as they pursue professional football careers.

Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

J.C. Coleman: The first portion of this article will be temporarily retitled to, "Hokies in the CFL."  J.C. Coleman, the former Virginia Tech running back, has signed with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.  The CFL schedule kicks off a few months earlier than the NFL, and fans can watch J.C., in less than a month, when the Lions kick off their preseason June 11.  We here at Gobbler Country wish the best of luck to Mr. Coleman as he embarks on his professional football career!

Kendall Fuller: The Washington Redskins’ rookie minicamp is about to get underway, this weekend.  Although one would normally expect to hear about a highly touted rookie’s performance during their first professional performance, Fuller is still recovering from microfracture surgery on his right knee.  As a result, Fuller will be sidelined during rookie minicamp.

Dadi Nicolas: Nicolas is now under contract with the Kansas City Chiefs and has been assigned the jersey number 52.  The former Virginia Tech defensive end has transitioned to outside linebacker.  Dadi is listed, by the Chiefs, at 6’3" and 235 pounds.  During an interview he has stated his intentions of gaining 10-15 pounds before the preseason. Nicolas is a developmental project that will likely find an initial role on the practice squad, but has the potential to eventually find a place on the active roster.

Ryan Malleck: The Hokie tight end was signed to the New York Giants shortly after the completion of the 2016 NFL Draft.  The details of that contract have emerged.  Ryan has signed a three-year deal that is worth $1.62 million, for an average of $540,000 a year.  Many predicted that Malleck would be a late round pick up, and it is no surprise that he was snatched up and signed quickly after falling out of the NFL Draft.

Deon Clarke: The Seahawks finished their three-day rookie minicamp this past Sunday.  Former Hokie linebacker, Deon Clarke, was invited to the minicamp on a tryout basis, but was not listed as one of the six players the Seahawks signed upon the conclusion of camp.  Gobbler Country will continue to closely follow Mr. Clarke’s and all former Hokies' efforts to find a roster spot in the NFL.

Wade Hansen: Pittsburgh held their rookie minicamp this past week.  Former Hokie offensive lineman, Wade Hansen, was invited to the minicamp, but is not listed on the Steelers’ 90-man roster.

Donovan Riley: The former VT safety, a native of Baltimore, was invited to participate in the Baltimore Ravens’ minicamp, which was held this past week.  Riley is not currently listed on the Raven’s 90-man roster.

Laurence Gibson: The former Hokie was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft.  He was picked up by the Chiefs after being waived by the Cowboys, but has now been released by Kansas City.

Luther Maddy: The Hokie linebacker was invited to the New Orleans Saints’ rookie minicamp shortly after the conclusion of the NFL Draft.  The Saints will hold their rookie minicamp from May 13 – 15.

A.J. Hughes: The VT Punter was also invited to the New Orleans rookie minicamp.

Best of luck gentlemen!  Go Hokies!