Although they didn’t hear their names called in the NFL draft, two former Salukis will still get to go after their NFL dreams.

Former linebacker Chase Allen has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins while another former linebacker, Deondre Barnett, joins the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as undrafted free agents, according to multiple tweets posted by teammates.

Allen finished his four-year career at SIU with one of the most impressive linebacker resumes in program history. The two-time All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection ended up with 324 career tackles, 12th most in SIU history, and was the leading tackler on the team three times — only the second time that feat had been accomplished.

Advertisement

Barnett, meanwhile, tallied 65 total tackles in his two year SIU career. He was also a big play threat on defense with three career forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks and a blocked kick.

They’re the second and third linebacker in as many years to move on to the NFL after Brandon Williams played through the NFL preseason with the Atlanta Falcons. MyCole Pruitt, who is on the roster for the Chicago Bears, is the only former Saluki still in the NFL.

Correction: The story originally stated that SIU has no players on active NFL rosters. MyCole Pruitt is on the roster for the Chicago Bears.

Sports reporter Sean Carley can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @SeanMCarley.

To stay up to date with all your SIU sports news, follow the Daily Egyptian on Facebook and Twitter.

Advertisement