Whos who among NFL undrafted free agent signings from state schools

Three players each from UNC, NC State and ECU have signed deals to pursue their NFL dreams, even though they were passed over in this weeks draft

Christine T. Nguyen—The North State Journal
Bug Howard (84) was one of three UNC players to sign free agent deals with NFL teamsSaturday after getting passed over in the draft

North Carolina had six players selected in this week’s NFL draft, tied with Clemson for tops in the ACC and the Tar Heels’ highest total since 2011. But No. 2 overall pick Mitch Trubisky and teammates Nazair Jones, Mack Hollins, Ryan Switzer, T.J. Logan and Elijah Hood aren’t the only now-former UNC stars that are heading to the pro ranks. Three other Tar Heels, along with players from six other state schools, are among the 22 hopefuls that signed free agent deals following the draft. Although there’s not as much prestige or money involved for those players as there will for their now former teammates taken in the draft, they have at least have the same shot at proving themselves on the field and earning a spot on a roster. The list of those players include (check back periodically for updates to the list): UNC: Lucas Crowley, C, Cardinals; Bug Howard, WR, Colts; Des Lawrence, CB, Lions; Nick Weiler, PK, Jaguars NC State: Bra’Lon Cherry, WR, Monty Nelson, DE, Jaguars; Titans; Joe Scelfo, C, Texans; Dravious Wright, CB, Rams Wake Forest: Josh Banks, DT, Giants; Ty Hayworth, OL, Jaguars; Brad Watson, CB, Chargers Duke: Breon Borders, CB, Raiders; Thomas Hennessy, LS, Colts; Anthony Nash, WR, BroncosECU: Worth Gregory, P, Jaguars; Philip Nelson QB, Bengals and Browns (tryouts), Dayon Pratt, OLB, Texans; James Summers, ATH, Cardinals Appalachian State: Parker Collins, OL, Jaguars; Kennan Gilchrist, LB, Cowboys. Alex Gray, S, BuccaneersCharlotte: Austin Duke, WR, Panthers