CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A total of five former Illinois football players will have a shot at the NFL this summer, with one selected in the draft and four others signing undrafted free agent deals or receiving rookie minicamp invites.
Wide receiver Zakhari Franklin signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite playing just one season for the Illini, Franklin made an impact with 55 catches for 652 yards and four touchdowns. TeRah Edwards, a defensive lineman, has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, continuing the trend of Illini defenders making their mark at the next level. Linebacker Ryan Meed has accepted an invitation to attend rookie camp with the Philadelphia Eagles. Meed was seventh on the team in tackles last season and notched four solo stops in the regular season finale against Northwestern. Seth Coleman has signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
These additions join Pat Bryant, who was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, bringing the total to five Illinois products aiming to make NFL rosters this offseason.