The conclusion of NFL rookie mini-camps across the league yielded different results for the six former Bobcats who participated in them during the past week.
For receiver LaVon Brazill, the only Ohio player selected in the draft, mini-camp gave him the chance to become familiar with some of his new Indianapolis Colts teammates while his agent continues to work out the details of his contract.
“Camp is going great. I had a good time and learned a lot,” Brazill said. “They have a beautiful facility. I can’t wait go back.”
Brazill is part of the rebuilding process in Indianapolis. The prized piece of that project is No. 1 overall pick, Andrew Luck.
Brazill said he got to know a few of the current Colts players and is establishing a relationship with his new signal caller as well.
“Me and Andrew, we’re trying to get to know each other,” Brazill said. “In three days we didn’t really get to spend that much time together, but when camp starts back up, we’re going to get real acquainted. We’re going to get married to each other.”
Former Ohio offensive lineman A.J. Strum was pleased with the way he competed during the Detroit Lions’ camp, but left on Sunday without any guarantee that he would ever take part in another NFL camp.
“I went through mini-camp and I did great, but I didn’t get signed,” Strum said. “They said I wasn’t what they were looking for.”
Strum will be placed on waivers on Monday with the possibility of being picked up by another team.
His agent told him he should have a leg up on other rookies because he has already been through mini-camp.
Strum said he was not disappointed in his own performance.
“I went through it and I did great,” he said. “I didn’t go there to embarrass myself and Ohio University. I played well. It is what it is.”
If no NFL team offers another tryout, Strum said he absolutely would be open to playing in another league, such as the Canadian Football League.
“I can’t be done with football yet. I love it too much. I’m still young and I’m a hell of a football player,” he said. “I’m healthy and I can play the sport. I showed that I can compete at that level with defensive lineman that they signed. I worked them. I did well.”
Former Ohio receiver Riley Dunlop was not invited to rookie mini-camp but is still hopeful that an NFL team will offer him a tryout.
“My agent’s still working on it,” Dunlop said. “Since some guys got cut from mini-camp. I’m hoping to find a way into a camp by July.”
Dunlop was expecting to be contacted by a team soon after the draft, but never received an offer.
Dunlop said his agent has reached out to a few CFL teams as well but said he has not decided whether he would be open to leaving the country to continue playing.
“My heart’s still set on the NFL right now,” he said. “I’m just waiting it out right now. I haven’t completely decided about the CFL yet, but possibly.”
ro137807@ohiou.edu
