Four Texas Tech players were picked up Sunday as free agents after the 2007 NFL Draft.
Offensive lineman Gabe Hall signed with the New York Giants, wideout Jarrett Hicks signed with the San Diego Chargers, linebacker Brock Stratton signed with the Tennessee Titans, while punter Alex Reyes signed with a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Hall said being signed to the Giants after the NFL Draft was fortunate for him even thoaugh he never heard his name called either Saturday and Sunday.
"Everybody wants to hear their name called, but I think my situation turned out all right," Hall said. "I'm going to the Giants. They don't have a lot of offensive linemen, they have a couple of old offensive linemen, so I think it's going to turn out all right."
Three former Red Raiders were selected in Sunday's NFL Draft, marking the second time three Tech players have been selected in the same draft in 13 years. Seven Tech players in all have been placed on NFL rosters. Hall, Hicks, Stratton and Reyes join offensive lineman Manny Ramirez, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Detroit Lions; wideout Joel Filani, drafted in the sixth round by the Tennessee Titans and defensive end Keyunta Dawson, drafted as a linebacker by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round.
According to a press release, Tech coach Mike Leach said he is proud of his players having the opportunity to make an NFL roster.
"We have had a good run in the NFL Draft since the 2000 season," Leach said, "although I thought in some years more should have been taken. These three players deserve every opportunity afforded them, as do the players that signed free agent deals. They are all very deserving."
Hall said the Giants want to test his versatility to find what position he is best fit for on the o-line.
"I think they want to try me out at tackle first - see what I can do at center," Hall said. "They also want to try me at blocking tight end."
Hall said he feels honored to have the chance and realizes he needs to make the best of his opportunity in the NFL.
"Not that many people have this opportunity, so I just feel blessed to have it," Hall said. "I just (need to) take advantage of it."
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