IU players sign with NFL teams

Throughout Saturday and Sunday more than 250 players saw their professional football dreams come true as they were selected in the NFL Draft. Though only one Hoosier was selected in that process, four other IU players now have a chance at professional careers.\nTight end Aaron Halterman and safety Herana-Daze Jones and quarterback both signed free agent contracts with NFL teams. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Chris Jahnke and quarterback Matt LoVecchio will attend mini-camps with pro teams.\nOne former IU football player, wide receiver Courtney Roby, was drafted in the third round by the Tennessee Titans with the 68th overall pick.\nHalterman, a Center Grove, Ind., native, is set to join the Houston Texans, a team already loaded at the tight end position. In Halterman's final season he caught six passes for 62 yards and one touchdown.\nAlthough there is depth at the position, all Halterman really wanted was a shot to play, he said.\n"I'm really happy about (signing with Houston) and am looking forward to the opportunity," Halterman said. "It was a huge weight off my back; all I wanted was an opportunity."\nAfter leading the Hoosiers with 110 tackles this season, Jones knew he had a shot at making it to the NFL. \nAlthough he was not drafted, he was already guaranteed that he wouldn't be left without a place to play this Thursday. After talking to a number of teams, including the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns, Jones decided on the Cincinnati Bengals, signing with them earlier this week.\nWith all the workouts during the past few months, Jones said he felt that Cincinnati was the best place for him.\n"They brought me in for a visit, one of 24 (visits) they can bring players in on," Jones said. "I got to know their staff pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with the situation. They don't have a strong safety, and I feel it is the best situation for me."\nTwo more players on the offensive side of the ball found a spot as well. LoVecchio, originally a transfer from Notre Dame, landed with the Giants after passing for more than 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2004.\nJahnke, a player who often protected LoVecchio, was snagged by the Minnesota Vikings. Jahnke played every position on the offensive line for IU and ended his college career with 35 consecutive starts.\nAttempts to reach both LoVecchio and Jahnke were unsuccessful at press time Tuesday.\nThere is still the possibility of more Hoosiers landing in the NFL before the start of team mini-camps, the first workout for rookies. Mini-camps are held Thursday through Sunday. Both defensive lineman Jodie Clemons and wide receiver Travis Haney were listed on the NFL's draft board and could land as free agents.\nGetting the chance to stay close to home and near his family is a reason that Jones, a Louisville, Ky., native said was attractive in his decision.\n"It makes it very appealing, because me and my family are really close," Jones said. "(Going to the NFL) is a dream come true. You have worked hard for all your career to play in the NFL. It is a blessing, because not a lot of people get the chance."\n-- Contact Sports Editor Dan Click at daaclick@indiana.edu.