SALT LAKE CITY – Several athletes who played for colleges in Utah are taking their talents to the NFL after being selected in the draft, and others have signed on as free agents.
Former Brigham Young University linebacker Kyle Van Noy was selected by the Detroit Lions Friday with the 40th overall pick. The Detroit Lions also drafted former Utah State cornerback Nevin Lawson Saturday in the fourth round.
Defensive back Keith McGill, a former Ute, was drafted by the Oakland Raiders, and former Utah State safety Mo Alexander was drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Another Utah player, linebacker Trevor Reilly, was drafted by the New York Jets Saturday.
Several players from Utah colleges who weren’t drafted made deals as free agents.
From the University of Utah there were four. Fullback Karl Williams and tight end Jake Murphy signed on with the Oakland Raiders, Anthony Denham will be moving from wide receiver to tight end for the Houston Texans, and defensive tackle Tenny Palepoi has signed to play for the San Diego Chargers.
There were four players from BYU who made free agent deals as well. Cody Hoffman, the Cougars all-time leading receiver, signed to play with the Washington Redskins. Linebacker Spencer Hadley signed with the New Orleans Saints, Safety Daniel Sorenson joined the Kansas City Chiefs and Defensive Tackle Eathyn Manumaleuna made a deal with the New York Giants.
Among the colleges in the state, Utah State University sent the most free agents to the NFL this time around. Linebacker Jake Doughty is headed to Green Bay to play with the Packers, Center Tyler Larsen signed with the Miami Dolphins, Tight End D.J. Tialavea signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nose Guard A.J. Pataiali’I will join the Baltimore Ravens, Cornerback Tay Glover is heading to his hometown of Atlanta to join the Falcons, and Running Back Joey DeMartino is joining the Kansas City Chiefs.
