Sports

Monmouth Players Get A Chance To Make It In NFL

Two former Hawks signed as undrafted free agents

When the NFL lockout ended on Monday, a frenzy of activity began for NFL teams, including the discussion of trades, agreeing to terms with high-profile free agents and filling out their rosters.

While Monmouth University football players Chris Hogan and Tom Ottaiano are not considered high-profile players, they have been given a chance to earn a roster spot on two of the NFL's most popular franchises.

Hogan, of Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, was a wide receiver for the Hawks who was signed by the San Francisco 49ers.

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Ottaiano, of East Hanover, was a offensive lineman for Monmouth and was signed by the New York Jets.

Both players signed Tuesday night.

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“It’s an exciting time for Chris and Tom,” Monmouth University head coach Kevin Callahan said.  “They have worked very hard for this day, and I am confident they will make the most of it.”

Hogan also played defensive back for the Hawks, snatching three interceptions, and had 12 catches and three touchdowns during his lone season in West Long Branch. He played four seasons of lacrosse at Penn State before coming to Monmouth to finish his eligibility in football.

Ottaiano played center and guard at Monmouth, and transferred to the school after Hofstra University dissolved its football program.

They will try to join former standouts Miles Austin, who has become a star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, and tight end Jonathan Nalbone, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins and now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, as Monmouth University players to make it the NFL. Austin, like Hogans and Ottaiano, was undrafted.

Both players will have a chance to stick with their teams, as the Jets are thin on their offensive line and the 49ers lack depth in their wide receiver corps and secondary. 


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