Pro day prospects earn NFL rookie minicamp invitations

Six prospects who attended the Cal (Pa.) pro day at Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena in Cheswick have earned rookie minicamp tryouts with NFL teams.

A seventh player, St. Francis (Pa.) cornerback Jermaine Ponder, signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent.

The second annual event, which was run by the Pittsburgh Steelers scouting staff, was conducted March 18.

The Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers had scouts in attendance, and each team invited a player from the pro day to its rookie minicamp. Atlanta invited Clarion defensive lineman Alec Heldreth, and Green Bay invited West Chester defensive back Nydair Rouse.

Edinboro cornerback Zuril Hendrick received a rookie minicamp invitation from the Chicago Bears, and Mercyhurst cornerback Dante’ Redwood will try out for the Arizona Cardinals. Kutztown running back Craig Reynolds will attend the Washington Redskins’ tryout camp.

Duquesne wide receiver Nehari Crawford was invited to the New York Giants’ rookie minicamp. Another Duquesne player, offensive lineman Matt Fitzpatrick, received an invitation from the Seattle Seahawks. Fitzpatrick, though, did not compete at the Cal (Pa.) pro day.

Ponder also attended a pro day hosted by the Browns. At the Steelers’ event, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds and had a 40-inch vertical jump.

The Bears, Browns, Packers, Giants and Seahawks will hold their three-day rookie minicamps this weekend. The Cardinals, Falcons and Redskins will conduct their camps May 10-12.

Other players from the Cal (Pa.) pro day might receive minicamp invites as more rosters, such as the Steelers, are finalized.