The Redbird offense
The Redbird offense
The Illinois State football program saw its three-year streak of NFL draftees come to an end Sunday, but the Redbirds still sent players to the league after quarterback Luke Drone and offensive linemen Isaiah Wiggins and Brandon Joyce signed free-agent contracts. Drone signed with the Buffalo Bills, Wiggins inked with the Baltimore Ravens and Joyce signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
“I’m excited to go in and to compete for a job,” said Drone. “I’ve already talked to the quarterbacks coach, and it is a great situation. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m just going to go in this weekend and do my best. Hopefully, it will result in me getting invited to training camp later in the summer.”
Wiggins, who anticipated his NFL career being an offensive center, was signed by Baltimore to play tackle, where he was a two-time All-Gateway Football Conference First-Team selection with the Redbirds.
“I just want to do the best that I can and make a spot on the roster,” said Wiggins. “I’m relieved this part is over, and I’m just anxious to get to camp and start working.”
“I feel great,” said Joyce. “I’ve been working out since the end of the season. I did well in the entire combine testing, and now I’ve turned my focus back toward football-type workouts. I’m stronger and faster now than I’ve ever been, and I’m really looking forward to getting into camp.”
The three former Redbirds join Aveion Cason (Detroit Lions), Boomer Grigsby (Miami Dolphins), Brent Hawkins (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Laurènt Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) on current NFL rosters.
