Agony turned to joy for a few college athletes who didn’t hear their names called this weekend but got a phone call anyway. Victor Cruz, Rich Seubert, and Chase Blackburn all know the feeling, but who has joined them?
Twitter lit up like a Christmas tree with undrafted free agents announcing their dreams had been made into reality following the draft.
ETIENNE SABINO – LB, OHIO STATE
Ohio State linebacker Etienne Sabino tweeted: “#blessed for an opportunity to live out my dream. Goin back to NY!! #Washingtonheights #NYG #GMEN #lehgo!!”
Sabino is coming off a down season that limited him to only 8 games thanks to a broken fibula. He racked up 46 tackles, 3.5 for loss, two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble last season for the Buckeyes.
Sabino has good athleticism and can play against both the run and pass, and may be able to make an impact throughout the season. At 6’2 247-pounds, Sabino boasts decent size, but only clocked into the 40-yard dash at 4.75 seconds, not exactly the speed New York needs to keep running quarterbacks in the pocket.
It’s no secret the Giants need help filling out the linebacker core, so Sabino will be given every opportunity to make a name for himself in minicamps.
He joins teammate Johnathan Hankins whom the Giants selected in the second round.
CHARLES JAMES – DB, CHARLESTON SOUTHERN
And with that Charles James let the world know he’d be helping out one of the league’s worst passing defenses last season.
James was an All-American at Charleston Southern and finished out his senior season in style. He set a school record in interceptions with 12, and helped his secondary secure the No. 3 pass defense in the nation. He added 32 tackles and 14 pass breakups.
James will help out another area of the Giants defense that was less than stellar. Like Sabino, James will be given every opportunity to shine, and the 4.49 40-yard dash time doesn’t hurt.
OTHER NAMES TO CONFIRM ON TWITTER:
– CHASE CLEMENT – TE, LSU
– CHARLES DIEUSEUL – LB, MT. UNION (PER MOUNTUNIONRAIDERS TWITTER)
– ALONZO TWEEDY – OLB/SS, VIRGINIA TECH (PER VT FOOTBALL TWITTER)
@Kyle_McMorrow