Five Illini Heading to NFL Rookie Minicamps
May 14, 2014 | Football
May 14, 2014
Five University of Illinois football seniors will have a shot to make their NFL dreams become a reality this spring. Linebacker Jonathan Brown (Arizona Cardinals), wide receiver Ryan Lankford (Miami Dolphins) and tight end Evan Wilson (Dallas Cowboys) all signed free agent contracts following last weekend's NFL Draft, while wide receivers Spencer Harris and Steve Hull both will have rookie minicamp tryouts with the New Orleans Saints.
The quintet will look to join a long list of former Fighting Illini in the NFL. In 2013, a total of 26 former Illini were on NFL rosters, tied for the second most among all Big Ten teams. Dallas and New Orleans will hold their rookie minicamps May 16-18, while Arizona and Miami will run from May 23-25.
While Illinois did not have a player selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, the program has a rich history in the draft with at least one UI player selected in 40 of the last 42 years. The program also had a habit of producing undrafted NFL contributors, like current veterans Steve Weatherford (8 seasons, currently with Giants), Pierre Thomas (7 seasons with Saints) and Jeff Cumberland (4 seasons with Jets).
Rookie minicamps start this weekend. No doubt that all 5 #Illini will make the most of their #NFL opportunity. pic.twitter.com/Gfn5S0HO9D
-- Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) May 14, 2014
Looks like I'll be taking my talents to South Beach! #FinsUp
-- Ryan Lankford (@Playmaka3x4) May 11, 2014Well I joined Americas team. I'm a Dallas Cowboy!!
-- Evan Wilson (@IHaveA_Evantage) May 10, 2014Grateful to have the opportunity at a mini camp with the Saints. Looking forward to the journey.
-- Spencer Harris (@HammaDslamma) May 11, 2014Excited to get to New Orleans! Great opportunity to keep playing the game I love. #WhoDat @Saints
-- Steve Hull (@SteveHull5) May 11, 2014
