Former Cal Poly linebacker Kyle Shotwell, the 2006 Buck Buchanan Award winner, was officially signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on Wednesday.
The Eagles, who run a speed-oriented and blitz-happy 4-3 defense that could be well suited for the 6-1, 240-pound Shotwell, made the move to replace linebacker William Kershaw, who was signed off the practice squad by Houston.
The move comes just three days after former Cal Poly standout Chris Gocong turned in his best game as a pro for the Eagles, tallying a sack and four tackles in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Gocong’s big night against Tom Brady and company might’ve reninforced the belief that small-school products like Gocong, another Buchanan Award winner, and RB Brian Westbrook (I-AA Villanova), a Payton Award winner, can succeed at the next level.
Shotwell, however, still has his work cut out for him. As a practice squad player, there are no guarantees, and he isn't eligible to play on Sundays until he makes the active roster. Since September, five players have been released from the Eagles practice squad. Then again, two players have been signed to other teams and two others were promoted to the Eagles’ active roster after injuries hit Philly on the defensive side of the ball. Stay tuned on this one.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Shotty signs with Philly
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2 comments:
The fact is that this puts Shotwell one step closer to the NFL. The fact that he is replacing a player that was signed off the Eagle practice squad to the Houston Texans points out the fact that practice squad players receive attention from other teams before unemployed free agents. Shotwell is a tough player that needs to make the most of this outstanding opportunity.
The next objective is making the active roster, then playing on special teams. The ultimate goal would be playing linebacker alongside the most familiar Chris Gocong. That objective is a long ways off. One step at a time.
Congratulations to Shotwell, I'm stoked for him. Plus this will make it easier to follow Cal Poly alums with Gocong a starter and now Shotwell on the PS. Probably a small chance he'll stay on it for the rest of the season, but it's better than nothing.
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