WEST HAVEN, Conn. – For the first time since the program returned to the gridiron, the University of New Haven football team had three student-athletes invited to NFL teams following the 2013 draft on Saturday.
Wide receiver Jason Thompson (Indiantown, Fla./South Fork ) signed a three year contract with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent, while defensive lineman Raheem Stanley (Hartford, Conn./Weaver ) and quarterback Ryan Osiecki (Seymour, Conn./Seymour / Univ. of Louisville) were invited to rookie mini camps with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, respectively.
“I’m very happy for them,” said head football coach Peter Rossomando. “They have committed themselves to getting better every day and I’m positive their NFL experience’s will be fulfilling. The entire Charger football family wishes them luck as they begin this chapter of their careers.”
Thompson’s career numbers included 36 touchdowns and 2,511 yards on 132 catches. He ranks among the top insecond in receiving touchdowns and receiving yards, while finishing fifth in receptions in the UNH record books.
Stanley finished his career with 141 total tackles, including 18 tackles-for-loss. As a senior, he was named the NE-10 Defensive Player of the Year with 40 total tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and two sacks.
Osiecki, New Haven’s all-time leader in nearly every passing record, concluded his career with an amazing 91 touchdown passes, 9,572 passing yards and 754 completions.
Previously, New Haven’s had two players drafted in the NFL, Miles McPherson (1982) and Harry Boatswain (1991). Five players have appeared in a NFL regular season game, including the previous two, Fred DiRenzo, Roger Graham and Phil Bogle.
The Redskins will hold rookie minicamp this week, from May 4-6, while the Chiefs and Patriots host minicamps next week, May 11-13 and May 10-12.
