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It was a busy day for Stony Brook football following this year’s NFL draft.
The Seawolves were hoping for offensive linemen Timon Parris to be their first-ever draftee, but they will settle for the outcome.
Parris, along with four other Stony Brook players, were either signed or invited to an NFL rookie minicamp.
Parris, who was projected as a late-round draft pick, was described as a “tall, good-sized offensive tackle prospect who occasionally flashes a mean streak” by CBS Sports’ R.J. White.
After he didn’t get the call during the seven-round draft in Arlington, Tex., the Floral Park native later signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins.
“He changed his body in the weight room,” Stony Brook head coach Chuck Priore previously told Newsday. “He went from a kid who was 6-5, 240 pounds to 320 pounds. Weight lifting, agility, he really focused in on hard work.”
In addition to Parris, safety Chris Cooper inked a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, while running back Stacy Bedell (San Fransico 49ers), wide receiver Ray Bolden (Philadelphia Eagles), and safety Tyrice Beverette (New York Jets) were invited to rookie minicamps.
The difference between being signed and invited to a rookie minicamp is that Parris and Cooper get actual contracts, while the rest of the Seawolves get a stipend during what essentially is a three-day tryout.
Stony Brook’s football program has come a long way since 2013 when running back Miguel Maysonet became the first Seawolf invited to the NFL Combine.
Since then, tight end Will Tye (2015) and linebacker Victor Ochi (2016) were both signed to active NFL rosters.
Tye has been Stony Brook’s most successful alum, catching 94 receptions for 897 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons combined with the New York Giants and New York Jets (2015-17).
He’s now a practice squad member of the New England Patriots.
Top: Timon Parris during his playing days at Stony Brook. (Stony Brook Athletics courtesy photo).
