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Dedrick headed to Houston
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-27
Even though Doug Dedrick wasn’t selected in the NFL Draft, the Iowa State offensive tackle had a home before the final pick was made.
Houston called Dedrick immediately after taking safety Troy Nolan with its last selection Sunday. The Texans wanted to sign Dedrick as an undrafted free agent.
So before Kansas City took kicker Ryan Succop to end the draft, Dedrick was off the board and officially a Houston Texan.
“It was an interesting process,†Dedrick said. “But it was great since I knew where I was going before the draft ended.â€
And his next stop will be Houston’s rookie camp, which starts May 15.
Dedrick caught the Texans’ eye while starting 22 of his 24 games at left tackle as a Cyclone. The 6-foot-1, 301 pounder had a hard time describing his feelings over the last day.
He’s doesn’t know if he’s tempering his enthusiasm until he makes the 53-man roster coming out of training camp, or if signing a pro contract hasn’t hit him yet.
“I’m not really sure which it is, but I know I worked hard to get to this point,†Dedrick said. “And I’m going to have to work hard to get to the next point.â€
Dedrick, who later received offers from Cincinnati and Seattle, wanted to spend the second day of the draft just with his immediate family. But his mom kept inviting more and more family members over until the numbers topped 15.
Once he signed, Dedrick was glad to have everyone around him.
“It ended up being a very nice day,†Dedrick said.
While eating a barbeque sandwich, Dedrick took a call from Houston assistant offensive line coach Frank Pollack. Pollack, who recruited Dedrick out of junior college, informed him of the Texans’ interest with 33 picks left to go.
“It was real nice to have a familiar voice giving me the news,†Dedrick said.
And if Pollack is to tell Dedrick he’s on the opening day roster, Dedrick knows he’ll have to keep plowing through his five day a week workouts and learn the Houston playbook.
“I’m embracing the challenge and I’m excited about the opportunity,†Dedrick said.
Note: Connecticut quarterback Tyler Lorenzen signed a free agent contract with Jacksonville. Lorenzen transferred to Connecticut from ISU.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-27
Iowa State offensive tackle Doug Dedrick has signed a free agent contract to play with the Houston Texans.
Tribune file photo
Tribune file photo
Even though Doug Dedrick wasn’t selected in the NFL Draft, the Iowa State offensive tackle had a home before the final pick was made.
Houston called Dedrick immediately after taking safety Troy Nolan with its last selection Sunday. The Texans wanted to sign Dedrick as an undrafted free agent.
So before Kansas City took kicker Ryan Succop to end the draft, Dedrick was off the board and officially a Houston Texan.
“It was an interesting process,†Dedrick said. “But it was great since I knew where I was going before the draft ended.â€
And his next stop will be Houston’s rookie camp, which starts May 15.
Dedrick caught the Texans’ eye while starting 22 of his 24 games at left tackle as a Cyclone. The 6-foot-1, 301 pounder had a hard time describing his feelings over the last day.
He’s doesn’t know if he’s tempering his enthusiasm until he makes the 53-man roster coming out of training camp, or if signing a pro contract hasn’t hit him yet.
“I’m not really sure which it is, but I know I worked hard to get to this point,†Dedrick said. “And I’m going to have to work hard to get to the next point.â€
Dedrick, who later received offers from Cincinnati and Seattle, wanted to spend the second day of the draft just with his immediate family. But his mom kept inviting more and more family members over until the numbers topped 15.
Once he signed, Dedrick was glad to have everyone around him.
“It ended up being a very nice day,†Dedrick said.
While eating a barbeque sandwich, Dedrick took a call from Houston assistant offensive line coach Frank Pollack. Pollack, who recruited Dedrick out of junior college, informed him of the Texans’ interest with 33 picks left to go.
“It was real nice to have a familiar voice giving me the news,†Dedrick said.
And if Pollack is to tell Dedrick he’s on the opening day roster, Dedrick knows he’ll have to keep plowing through his five day a week workouts and learn the Houston playbook.
“I’m embracing the challenge and I’m excited about the opportunity,†Dedrick said.
Note: Connecticut quarterback Tyler Lorenzen signed a free agent contract with Jacksonville. Lorenzen transferred to Connecticut from ISU.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
| Comments |
| MiddleCyBacker Great story, Bobby. I didn't know they could start signing Rookie Free Agengts before the draft ended. This way, Doug can go somewhere with a leg up. And after fighting up hill for two years at ISU, I'd say he's got a fighting shot at that opening day roster. I also don't remember Tyler, although the Lorenzen name is familiar. I assume he bolted when Chizik came to town. Was Tyler's dad a Cyclone from the early 80's? 4/29/09 |
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