BROWNS SIGN 16 UNDRAFTED ROOKIE FREE AGENTS

Additional 23 Tryout Free Agents to Participate in Mini-Camp This Weekend

The Cleveland Browns signed 16 undrafted rookie free agents (subject to player passing a physical), the team announced today. The Browns will hold a rookie mini-camp for their ten draft selections, 16 undrafted rookie free agents along with 23 tryout participants beginning Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7. The rookie mini-camp is not open to the public.

Rookie Mini-Camp Media Availability
Friday, May 5
12:00-12:45 p.m. – Players available in locker room
3:00-4:00 – Practice (First 30 minutes open to the media)
4:00-4:15 – Romeo Crennel Availability (Dino Lucarelli Media Center)

Saturday, May 6
10:15-11:15 a.m. – Practice (First 30 minutes open to the media)
11:30-11:45 a.m. – Coach Crennel Availability (Dino Lucarelli Media Center)
11:45-12:30 p.m. – Players available in locker room

Sunday, May 7
No Availability

Cleveland Browns undrafted rookie free agents:
QB Dustin Almond (6-2, 214, Southern Mississippi)
A three-year starter who finished his career 538-of-1,052 passing for 7,342 yards with 51 TDs and 28 interceptions, and added 262 carries for 260 yards and 13 rushing TDs. Almond ranks first in school history with 64 total TDs, second in career passing yards (7,342), fourth in TDs (51) and second in career total offense (7,602). As a senior in 2005, he started all 12 games and was 216-of-394 passing for 2,860 yards with 23 TDs and 12 interceptions. Almond was born on Feb. 5, 1983 in Orange Park, Fla.

RB Chris Barclay (5-10, 180, Wake Forest)
Finished his career at Wake Forest as the school’s career rushing leader in seven categories, including yards rushing (4,032), scoring (240 points), rushing TDs (40), total TDs (40), all-purpose yards (4,930), 200-yard rushing games (3) and 1,000-yard seasons (3). Barclay finished with 15 career 100-yard rushing games and was one of only three players in ACC history and 31 in Division I history to rush for 4,000 career yards and 40 TDs. He finished his career as the fifth leading rusher in ACC history. In 2005, Barclay was named ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, as he rushed for 1,127 yards on 218 carries (5.2 avg.) and 10 TDs. Barclay was born on Oct. 15, 1983 in Louisville, Ky.

P Kyle Basler (6-3, 238, Washington State)
A three-year letter winner and walk-on at Washington State, Basler played in 48 games and set a school record with 255 career punts for 10,794 yards (42.3 avg.), 76 inside the 20-yard line and a long of 87 yards. During his career, Basler had 53 punts of 50 yards or longer. In 2005, Basler totaled 50 punts for 2,029 yards (40.6 avg.). Basler was born on Dec. 27, 1982 in Olympia, Wash.

WR Carlton Brewster (5-11, 214, Ferris State)
Brewster ranked as Ferris State’s second all-time leading receiver with 234 receptions for 384 receiving yards and 25 TDs in 43 career outings. He ranked third on Ferris State’s career leaders list in kickoff returns yardage (1,197), fourth in punt return yardage (588), fifth in all-purpose yards (5,029) and eighth in scoring (164 points). In 2005, Brewster caught 60 passes for 921 yards and seven TDs in 11 games. Brewster was born on Feb. 12, 1983 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

OT Lance Butler (6-7, 298, Florida)
A four-year starter at Florida, Butler played in 40 games during his collegiate career at guard and tackle, started 34 games, including a streak of 28-straight to finish his career. In his senior year, Butler started at right tackle in all 12 games. During his junior year he was the starting left guard, however made two starts at left tackle. Butler played prep football at West Davidson High School (N.C.). He was born on April 13, 1983 in Princeton, N.J.

LB Kevin Culbert (6-5, 235, Frostburg State)
Regarded as one of the top defensive linemen in Division III, Culbert finished his collegiate career with 308 tackles, 87.5 TFL, 38.5 sacks and three interceptions. As a senior in 2005, Culbert started all 11 games and finished with 100 tackles, 33 TFL, 17 sacks for 134 yards, two interceptions and six PBU. Culbert earned a medical redshirt his junior season in 2004 after suffering a season-ending hand injury in the third game. In 2003, he started nine games and led the team with 80 tackles, 22 TFL and 10 sacks. Culbert was born on Nov. 8, 1982 in Purcellvile, Va.

QB Darrell Hackney (6-0, 240, UAB)
The most prolific quarterback in UAB history, Hackney finished his career as UAB’s all-time passing leader and fourth in Conference USA history (9,886 yards), and finished sixth in conference history in TD passes (71). During his collegiate career, Hackney played in 41 games, including 38 starts, and completed 694-of-1,246 passing for 9,886 yards with 71 TDs and 33 interceptions. In 2005, he registered his second straight 3,000-yard passing season and finished with 3,180 yards on 242-of-386 passing with 22 TDs and 12 interceptions. Hackney was born on Aug. 7, 1983 in Atlanta, Ga.

DB Charles Hall (5-11, 182, SE Louisiana)
Hall was named honorable mention All-Southland Conference selection in 2005. In his senior year, he finished with 27 tackles, two TFL, two interceptions and tied for the team lead with eight PBU. Hall also returned three kicks for 52 yards (17.3 avg.). In 2002, he played for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and had 34 tackles, 21 solo, as an all-region selection. Hall was born on April 10, 1982 in Gulfport, Miss.

DB Willie Hughley (5-11, 170, Florida Atlantic)
Hughley finished his collegiate career with 212 tackles, 139 solo, 15 interceptions for 386 yards and 38 PBU in 48 games. He ended his career as the school’s career leader in interceptions (15), single-season interceptions (6) and fourth in tackles (212). In 2005, Hughley was a defensive leader as he helped the team through its first full season of Division I-A competition and totaled 42 tackles, nine PBU and one interception. Hughley was born on Nov. 24, 1982 in Haines City, Fla.

LB Ricardo Hurley (6-1, 242, South Carolina)
An All-SEC candidate, Hurley played both inside and outside linebacker. In 2005, he started eight games and ranked fourth with 57 tackles, 35 solo, two sacks and led the team with eight TFL. In 2004, Hurley started all 11 games at inside linebacker and ranked fifth with 53 tackles, 38 solo, four TFL, one recovered fumble, one PBU and one safety. Hughley was born on Sept. 15, 1983 in Greenwood, S.C.

DB Dwayne Ijames (5-11, 182, Elon University)
A four-year starter at defensive back and key return specialist, Ijames played in all 45 games, including 40 starts. He finished his collegiate career with 228 tackles, 130 solo, 19 PBU, 11 interceptions, four forced fumbles and four recovered fumbles. Ijames also added 49 kickoff returns for 1,140 yards (23.3 avg.) and one TD, and 21 punt returns for 185 yards (8.8 avg.) during his career. Ijames was born on Dec. 4, 1983 in Winston-Salem, N.C.

LB Charlton Keith (6-5, 225, Kansas)
A native of Akron, Ohio and played prep football at Akron Buchtel High School, Keith finished seventh in Kansas school history with 30 TFL and tenth with 12 sacks. In 2005, Keith was selected to the All-Big 12 first-team by the league’s coaches as he started all 12 games and ranked fourth on the team with 61 tackles, ranked second with nine sacks and added seven PBU. In 2003, he played one season of football and basketball at Minnesota West Community College in Worthington, Minn. Keith spent two seasons at the University of Minnesota including a redshirt year. He is the cousin of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Eric Snow. Keith was born on May 4, 1983 in Akron, Ohio.

WR Brent Little (6-0, 185, Southern Illinois)
A three-year starter, Little finished third in school history with 124 career receptions, second with 2,303 receiving yards (18.6 avg.) and second with 20 TDs. Little was named first-team All-Gateway Conference in 2004, second-team all-conference in 2005 and honorable mention in 2003. He led the team in receptions in each of the last three years. Little had his most productive season as a junior, in which he averaged 23.5 yards per catch with seven TDs. Little was born April 3, 1983 in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

DB Dontez Sanders (6-1, 208, Wisconsin)
A native of Bedford, Ohio, Sanders played at Chanel High School. Sanders was a two-year starter who finished his collegiate career with 190 tackles, 98 solo, 19 TFL, nine sacks for 68 yards, two forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles, two interceptions and eight PBU. In 2005, he started all 13 games and led the team with 95 tackles, nine TFL, three-and-one-half sacks, three PBU, one forced fumble and one interception. His brother, Darnell Sanders, was a fourth-round draft choice by the Browns in 2002 and played for the Browns for two seasons (2002-03) and also played at Ohio State. Sanders was on born Nov. 1, 1982 in Bedford, Ohio.

WR Steve Sanders (6-3, 201, Bowling Green)
A Cleveland native and graduate of East High School, Sanders finished seventh all-time in Bowling Green history with 156 receptions and 2,324 receiving yards and fourth with 24 TD receptions. In 2005, he started all 11 games and ranked second on the team with 56 catches for 855 yards (15.3 avg.) and 14 TDs. In 2004, Sanders started in all 12 games and had 55 receptions for 984 yards (17.9 avg.) and 8 TDs. Sanders was born on Dec. 23, 1982 in Cleveland.

OL Rob Smith (6-4, 306, Tennessee)
Smith earned three letters at Tennessee and played in 33 career games, including 24 starts. In 2005, he was named team co-captain and exhibited his team-first mentality when he voluntarily moved from the starting left guard position to fill the void at center caused by injuries. Smith started in all 11 games mainly at center, however, also played left guard. In 2004, Smith was the only offensive lineman to start in all 13 games and lined up at left guard for the first time in his career. Smith was born on March 8, 1984 in Fort Thomas, Ky.


--BROWNS--



2006 Cleveland Browns Numerical Roster – Rookie Mini-Camp—May 4-6

(Roster Size: 51—2 veterans; 10 draft choices; 16 rookie free agents; 23 tryouts)





No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Age Exp. College Hometown How Acq. G/ S/ DNP/ IA
5w Dustin Almond QB 6-2 214 23 R Southern Miss. Orange Park, Fla. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
7w Darrell Hackney QB 6-0 240 22 R UAB Atlanta, Ga. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
10w Steve Sanders WR 6-3 201 23 R Bowling Green Cleveland, Ohio FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
12w Brent Little WR 6-0 185 23 R Southern Illinois Poplar Bluff, Mo. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
13w Kyle Basler P 6-3 238 23 R Washington State Olympia, Wash. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
22 Demario Minter DB 5-11 190 22 R Georgia Stone Mountain, Ga. D5b – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
23w Chris Barclay RB 5-10 180 22 R Wake Forest Louisville, Ky. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
35 Jerome Harrison RB 5-9 199 23 R Washington State Kalamazoo, Mich. D5a – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
38b Dontez Sanders DB 6-1 208 23 R Wisconsin Bedford, Ohio FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
39 Charles Hall DB 5-11 182 24 R Southeastern Louisiana Gulfport, Miss. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
40 Justin Hamilton DB 6-3 217 23 R Virginia Tech Norton, Va. D7 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
41b Willie Hughley DB 5-11 170 23 R Florida Atlantic Haines City, Fla. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
43 Dwayne Ijames DB 5-11 182 22 R Elon University Winston-Salem, N.C. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
47 Lawrence Vickers FB 6-0 233 23 R Colorado Beaumont, Texas D6a – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
48b Kevin Culbert LB 6-5 235 23 R Frostburg State Purcellvile, Va. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
49b Ricardo Hurley LB 6-1 242 22 R South Carolina Greenwood, S.C. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
50b Charlton Keith LB 6-5 225 23 R Kansas Akron, Ohio FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
50w Rob Smith OL 6-4 306 22 R Tennessee Fort Thomas, Ky. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
58 D’Qwell Jackson LB 6-0 228 22 R Maryland Largo, Fla. D2 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
61 Isaac Sowells OL 6-3 324 24 R Indiana Louisville, Ky. D4b – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
67b Darrell Campbell DL 6-4 290 24 1 Notre Dame South Holland, Ill. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
74 Lance Butler OL 6-7 298 23 R Florida Princeton, N.J. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
81 Travis Wilson WR 6-1 213 22 R Oklahoma Carrollton, Texas D3 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
83 Carlton Brewster WR 5-11 214 23 R Ferris State Grand Rapids, Mich. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
91 Andrew Hoffman DL 6-4 296 23 1 Virginia Fairfax, Va. D6b – ’05 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
94 Leon Williams LB 6-2 238 22 R Miami (Fla.) Brooklyn, N.Y. D4a – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
95 Kamerion Wimbley LB 6-3 245 22 R Florida State Wichita, Kan. D1 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
96 Babatunde Oshinowo DT 6-1 302 23 R Stanford Naperville, Ill. D6b – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0




2006 Cleveland Browns Alphabetical Roster– Rookie Mini-Camp—May 4-6

(Roster Size: 51—2 veterans; 10 draft choices; 16 rookie free agents; 23 tryouts)



No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthdate Exp. College Hometown How Acq. G/ S/ DNP/ IA
5w Almond, Dustin QB 6-2 214 2/5/83 R Southern Miss Orange Park, Fla. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
23w Barclay, Chris RB 5-10 180 10/15/83 R Wake Forest Louisville, Ky. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
13w Basler, Kyle P 6-3 238 12/27/82 R Washington State Olympia, Wash. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
83 Brewster, Carlton WR 5-11 214 2/12/83 R Ferris State Grand Rapids, Mich. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
74 Butler, Lance OL 6-7 298 4/13/83 R Florida Princeton, N.J. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
67b Campbell, Darrell DL 6-4 290 7/6/81 1 Notre Dame South Holland, Ill. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
48b Culbert, Kevin LB 6-5 235 11/8/82 R Frostburg State Purcellvile, Va. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
7w Hackney, Darrell QB 6-0 240 8/7/83 R UAB Atlanta, Ga. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
39 Hall, Charles DB 5-11 182 4/10/82 R Southeastern Louisiana Gulfport, Miss. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
40 Hamilton, Justin DB 6-3 217 9/17/82 R Virginia Tech Norton, Va. D7 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
35 Harrison, Jerome RB 5-9 199 2/26/83 R Washington State Kalamazoo, Mich. D5a – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
91 Hoffman, Andrew DL 6-4 296 2/15/82 1 Virginia Fairfax, Va. D6b – ’05 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
41b Hughley, Willie DB 5-11 170 11/24/82 R Florida Atlantic Haines City, Fla. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
49b Hurley, Ricardo LB 6-1 242 9/15/83 R South Carolina Greenwood, S.C. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
43 Ijames, Dwayne DB 5-11 182 12/4/83 R Elon University Winston-Salem, N.C. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
58 Jackson, D’Qwell LB 6-0 228 9/26/83 R Maryland Largo, Fla. D2 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
50b Keith, Charlton LB 6-5 225 5/4/83 R Kansas Akron, Ohio FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
12w Little, Brent WR 6-0 185 4/3/83 R Southern Illinois Poplar Bluff, Mo. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
22 Minter, Demario DB 5-11 190 2/20/84 R Georgia Stone Mountain, Ga. D5b – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
96 Oshinowo, Babatunde DT 6-1 302 1/14/83 R Stanford Naperville, Ill. D6b – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
38b Sanders, Dontez DB 6-1 208 11/1/82 R Wisconsin Bedford, Ohio FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
10w Sanders, Steve WR 6-3 201 12/23/82 R Bowling Green Cleveland, Ohio FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
50w Smith, Rob OL 6-4 306 3/8/84 R Tennessee Fort Thomas, Ky. FA – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
61 Sowells, Isaac OL 6-3 324 5/4/82 R Indiana Louisville, Ky. D4b – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
47 Vickers, Lawrence FB 6-0 233 5/8/83 R Colorado Beaumont, Texas D6a – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
94 Williams, Leon LB 6-2 238 7/30/83 R Miami (Fla.) Brooklyn, N.Y. D4a – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
81 Wilson, Travis WR 6-1 213 2/11/84 R Oklahoma Carrollton, Texas D3 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0
95 Wimbley, Kamerion LB 6-3 245 10/13/83 R Florida State Wichita, Kansas D1 – ’06 0/ 0/ 0/ 0

2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME DIVISIONAL CLASS ANNOUNCED

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, Inc.

Press release w/pdf

Four players and three coaches slated for August induction

MORRISTOWN, NJ, May 9, 2006 - Ron Johnson, Chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF), announced the Hall of Fame Divisional Class for 2006, which considers players and coaches from NCAA Divisions I-AA, II, III, and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) for induction.

This year's class will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame during Enshrinement Ceremonies at the Hall, August 11-12, in South Bend, Indiana. The class includes:

2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS
. Kevin Dent - DB, Jackson State, 1985-88

. John Friesz - QB, Idaho, 1986-89

. Ronnie Mallett - E, Central Arkansas, 1978-81

. Jerry Rice - WR, Mississippi Valley State, 1981-84

COACHES
. Dick Farley - Williams (Mass.) (1983-2003), 114-19-3

. John Gagliardi - Carroll College (Mont.) (1949-52), Saint John's Univ.
(Minn.) (1952-present), 432-118-11

. Vernon "Skip" McCain - Maryland State (1948-63), 102-21-5

"We are very pleased to announce the 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Divisional Class," said Johnson. "Often overlooked by the enormous accomplishments by those on the Division I-A level, it is very important for us to recognize those who have been gridiron legends on all levels of college football."

With 119 chapters and over 12,000 members nationwide, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America's young people.
NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., Play It Smart, The NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport at Springfield College (Mass.), the NFL-NFF Coaching Academy, and annual scholarships of nearly $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes.

CRITERIA

1. First and Foremost, a player must have received First Team All-America recognition by a selector organization that is recognized by the NCAA and utilized to comprise their consensus All-America teams.

2. A player becomes eligible for consideration by the Foundation's Honors Courts ten years after his final year of intercollegiate football played.

3. While each nominee's football achievements in college are of prime consideration, his post football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether or not the candidate earned a college degree.

4. Players must have played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years*. For example, to be eligible for the 2006 ballot,
the player must have played his last year in 1956 or thereafter. In
addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire.

5. A coach becomes eligible three years after retirement or immediately following retirement provided he is at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible at 75 years of age. He must have been a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage*.

(*Those players that do not comply with the 50-year rule and coaches that have not won 60% of their games may still be eligible for consideration by the Division I-A and Divisional Honors Review Committees, which examine unique cases.)

INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Kevin Dent
Jackson State University (Miss.)
Defensive Back, 1985-88

A fierce defensive talent, Jackson State's Kevin Dent will become the first defensive player and third overall in school history to enter the College Football Hall of Fame, joining legends Walter Payton and Willie Richardson.

A constant interception threat, Dent is the school's only three-time First Team All-America selection (1986-88). A three-time Sheridan Black College National Defensive Player of the Year, he led the nation in interceptions in
1986 and currently ranks among the Top 25 in NCAA Division I-AA history with
21 career picks.

At 6-foot-2, 196 pounds, Dent was the leader of a defense that vaulted the Tigers to three consecutive Southwest Athletic Conference championships and a remarkable 27-1 conference record. A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he was twice named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.

A two-time Mississippi Sports Writers All-Mississippi Team selection, Dent currently ranks fourth all-time at Jackson State in single-season interceptions (11 in 1988). A community minded individual, he continues to reside in Jackson, Mississippi.

John Friesz
University of Idaho
Quarterback, 1986-89

Arguably the greatest player in the 109-year history of the University of Idaho, quarterback John Friesz will become the school's first-ever inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.

A two-time First Team All-America selection, Friesz twice led the nation in passing and received the 1989 Walter Payton Award as Division I-AA's National Player of the Year. With over 10,000 career passing yards, he ranks among the Top 20 in Division I-AA history.

A Big Sky Conference legend, Friesz was named conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference three times while leading the Vandals to three straight conference championships. An eight-time conference Player of the Week mention, he broke virtually every school single-season and career passing record. For all of his prowess, the team's Most Valuable Player Award was renamed the John Friesz Award.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Friesz went on to enjoy a 10-year professional career with four teams. An active member in his community, he has hosted a golf tournament benefiting the American Diabetes Association. A member of Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Friesz also participates in numerous charity events for the Specials Olympics.

Ronnie Mallett
University of Central Arkansas
End, 1978-81

A talented wide receiver with impeccable hands and a nose for the ball, Ronnie Mallett will become the University of Central Arkansas' first-ever inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.

An offensive force, Mallett earned First Team NAIA All-America honors from 1979-81, the first in school history to achieve the distinction three times.
A team leader and motivational source, he helped guide Central Arkansas to a
33-8-2 record and three conference championships in four seasons.

A three-time All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference selection, Mallett shattered numerous receiving records, many of which he still holds
including: single game receiving yards (242), career touchdown receptions
(30) and career receiving yards (2,649). To date, Mallet ranks in UCA's Top 10 in 20 record categories for receiving.

Despite UCA only averaging 20 pass attempts per game during Mallet's four-year tenure, he is tied for the school record with nine 100-yard receiving games and has three of UCA's four 200-yard receiving game performances.

Jerry Rice
Mississippi Valley State University
Wide Receiver, 1981-84

Widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in football history on any level, Mississippi Valley State's Jerry Rice will join his teammate Willie Totten as both ends of the famed Delta Devil "Satellite Express" will now be members of the College Football Hall of Fame.

A two-time First Team All-America selection, Rice finished ninth in the 1984 Heisman Trophy voting as he set numerous Division I-AA records including single-season receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,450). A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Rice was named the 1984 SWAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year for the State of Mississippi. A member of the Super South 11, he shattered school records with 310 career receptions, 4,856 receiving yards and 51 touchdowns.

Drafted in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Rice became arguably the greatest player in NFL history. In 20 seasons, he was named to the Pro Bowl 13 times, won three Super Bowls and broke virtually every receiving record. His NFL totals exceed 1,500 receptions, 22,000 receiving yards and 200 touchdowns.

In the community, Rice volunteers with the March of the Dimes, Packard Children's Hospital, Nike PLAY program, Team Up for Healthy Kids, United Way
and The Jerry Rice "127" Foundation.

Coach Dick Farley
Williams College (Mass.) (1987-2003)
Head Coach, 114-19-3, .849

A fixture at Williams College for 17 years, Dick Farley brought the Ephs to great heights and established himself as one of the greatest Division III coaches of all-time.

The only coach in Williams history to post a perfect season - a feat he accomplished five times, Farley was named Gridiron Club of Greater Boston New England Coach of the Year four times, NESCAC Coach of the Year twice and Division III Regional Coach of the Year in 1996 by AFCA. The recipient of the Johnny Vaught Lifetime Achievement Award, he recorded New England's longest Division III win streak (23 games).

In 17 years, Williams did not have a losing season on Farley's watch. He recorded 128 consecutive games without back-to-back losses, amassed 11 seasons with at least seven wins and had 12 seasons with one or zero losses.
A masterful leader, he coached nine First Team All-Americas.

Williams' all-time winningest coach, Farley retired with an overall record of 114-19-3 for a win percentage of .849, which currently ranks him sixth
among coaches in all divisions in college football history.

Coach John Gagliardi
Carroll College (Mont.) (1949-52), Saint John's University (Minn.)
(1953-present)
Head Coach, 432-118-11, .780

In 2003, John Gagliardi won his 409th game to pass Eddie Robinson as the winningest coach in the history of college football. Few people have influenced the game of football more on the small college level, and he isn't done.

Last season, Gagliardi's 57th, tied him with fellow Hall of Famer Amos Alonzo Staggs for most seasons coached in college football history. In this time, his teams have won four national championships, 27 conference titles and have appeared in 51 national playoff games. Despite his long tenure, Gagliardi has had only two teams with losing records and none since 1967.

To date, Gagliardi has a remarkable record of 432-118-11 for a winning percentage of .780. In 1993, the trophy that has annually been given to the Player of the Year on the Division III level was renamed the Gagliardi Trophy in recognition of the coach's career and influence.

A leader on the gridiron and off, Gagliardi has served as athletics director at both Carroll College and Saint John's. In addition to football, he has coached and won championships in track and ice hockey at SJU. His insights and strategy have been documented in four books written about the coach.

Coach Vernon "Skip" McCain
Maryland State College (1948-63)
Head Coach, 102-21-5, .810

For more than a quarter of a century Maryland State College was regarded as a football powerhouse among historically black colleges. The architect of
16 of these teams was head coach Vernon "Skip" McCain.

Named Coach of the Year by the Pigskin Club of Washington in 1950, McCain led his teams to four Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and never recorded a single losing season in 16 years at the helm.

With a career record of 102-21-5, McCain is one of only 28 coaches in the history of college football to have a winning percentage greater than .800 among those whom have coached at least nine seasons. A leader of men, he guided MSC to three undefeated seasons and seven seasons of seven wins or more. For all of his accomplishments, he was named to the MSC and Langston University Halls of Fame.

In the community, McCain served as the school's athletics director, head baseball coach and head basketball coach during his career. An active member of the Metropolitan United Church, he was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Langston University Alumni Association.

-###-


NFF Contacts:
Matt Sweeney.....Director of Special Projects
22 Maple Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
973.829.1933 Ext. 116
www.footballfoundation.org

Phil Marwill.....Director of Communications
22 Maple Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
973.829.1933 Ext. 118
www.footballfoundation.org

2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME DIVISIONAL CLASS ANNOUNCED

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, Inc.

Four players and three coaches slated for August induction

MORRISTOWN, NJ, May 9, 2006 - Ron Johnson, Chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF), announced the Hall of Fame Divisional Class for 2006, which considers players and coaches from NCAA Divisions I-AA, II, III, and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) for induction.

This year's class will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame during Enshrinement Ceremonies at the Hall, August 11-12, in South Bend, Indiana. The class includes:

2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS
. Kevin Dent - DB, Jackson State, 1985-88

. John Friesz - QB, Idaho, 1986-89

. Ronnie Mallett - E, Central Arkansas, 1978-81

. Jerry Rice - WR, Mississippi Valley State, 1981-84

COACHES
. Dick Farley - Williams (Mass.) (1983-2003), 114-19-3

. John Gagliardi - Carroll College (Mont.) (1949-52), Saint John's Univ.
(Minn.) (1952-present), 432-118-11

. Vernon "Skip" McCain - Maryland State (1948-63), 102-21-5

"We are very pleased to announce the 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Divisional Class," said Johnson. "Often overlooked by the enormous accomplishments by those on the Division I-A level, it is very important for us to recognize those who have been gridiron legends on all levels of college football."

With 119 chapters and over 12,000 members nationwide, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America's young people.
NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., Play It Smart, The NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport at Springfield College (Mass.), the NFL-NFF Coaching Academy, and annual scholarships of nearly $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes.

CRITERIA

1. First and Foremost, a player must have received First Team All-America recognition by a selector organization that is recognized by the NCAA and utilized to comprise their consensus All-America teams.

2. A player becomes eligible for consideration by the Foundation's Honors Courts ten years after his final year of intercollegiate football played.

3. While each nominee's football achievements in college are of prime consideration, his post football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether or not the candidate earned a college degree.

4. Players must have played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years*. For example, to be eligible for the 2006 ballot,
the player must have played his last year in 1956 or thereafter. In
addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire.

5. A coach becomes eligible three years after retirement or immediately following retirement provided he is at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible at 75 years of age. He must have been a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage*.

(*Those players that do not comply with the 50-year rule and coaches that have not won 60% of their games may still be eligible for consideration by the Division I-A and Divisional Honors Review Committees, which examine unique cases.)

INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Kevin Dent
Jackson State University (Miss.)
Defensive Back, 1985-88

A fierce defensive talent, Jackson State's Kevin Dent will become the first defensive player and third overall in school history to enter the College Football Hall of Fame, joining legends Walter Payton and Willie Richardson.

A constant interception threat, Dent is the school's only three-time First Team All-America selection (1986-88). A three-time Sheridan Black College National Defensive Player of the Year, he led the nation in interceptions in
1986 and currently ranks among the Top 25 in NCAA Division I-AA history with
21 career picks.

At 6-foot-2, 196 pounds, Dent was the leader of a defense that vaulted the Tigers to three consecutive Southwest Athletic Conference championships and a remarkable 27-1 conference record. A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he was twice named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year.

A two-time Mississippi Sports Writers All-Mississippi Team selection, Dent currently ranks fourth all-time at Jackson State in single-season interceptions (11 in 1988). A community minded individual, he continues to reside in Jackson, Mississippi.

John Friesz
University of Idaho
Quarterback, 1986-89

Arguably the greatest player in the 109-year history of the University of Idaho, quarterback John Friesz will become the school's first-ever inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.

A two-time First Team All-America selection, Friesz twice led the nation in passing and received the 1989 Walter Payton Award as Division I-AA's National Player of the Year. With over 10,000 career passing yards, he ranks among the Top 20 in Division I-AA history.

A Big Sky Conference legend, Friesz was named conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference three times while leading the Vandals to three straight conference championships. An eight-time conference Player of the Week mention, he broke virtually every school single-season and career passing record. For all of his prowess, the team's Most Valuable Player Award was renamed the John Friesz Award.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Friesz went on to enjoy a 10-year professional career with four teams. An active member in his community, he has hosted a golf tournament benefiting the American Diabetes Association. A member of Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Friesz also participates in numerous charity events for the Specials Olympics.

Ronnie Mallett
University of Central Arkansas
End, 1978-81

A talented wide receiver with impeccable hands and a nose for the ball, Ronnie Mallett will become the University of Central Arkansas' first-ever inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.

An offensive force, Mallett earned First Team NAIA All-America honors from 1979-81, the first in school history to achieve the distinction three times.
A team leader and motivational source, he helped guide Central Arkansas to a
33-8-2 record and three conference championships in four seasons.

A three-time All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference selection, Mallett shattered numerous receiving records, many of which he still holds
including: single game receiving yards (242), career touchdown receptions
(30) and career receiving yards (2,649). To date, Mallet ranks in UCA's Top 10 in 20 record categories for receiving.

Despite UCA only averaging 20 pass attempts per game during Mallet's four-year tenure, he is tied for the school record with nine 100-yard receiving games and has three of UCA's four 200-yard receiving game performances.

Jerry Rice
Mississippi Valley State University
Wide Receiver, 1981-84

Widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in football history on any level, Mississippi Valley State's Jerry Rice will join his teammate Willie Totten as both ends of the famed Delta Devil "Satellite Express" will now be members of the College Football Hall of Fame.

A two-time First Team All-America selection, Rice finished ninth in the 1984 Heisman Trophy voting as he set numerous Division I-AA records including single-season receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,450). A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Rice was named the 1984 SWAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year for the State of Mississippi. A member of the Super South 11, he shattered school records with 310 career receptions, 4,856 receiving yards and 51 touchdowns.

Drafted in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Rice became arguably the greatest player in NFL history. In 20 seasons, he was named to the Pro Bowl 13 times, won three Super Bowls and broke virtually every receiving record. His NFL totals exceed 1,500 receptions, 22,000 receiving yards and 200 touchdowns.

In the community, Rice volunteers with the March of the Dimes, Packard Children's Hospital, Nike PLAY program, Team Up for Healthy Kids, United Way
and The Jerry Rice "127" Foundation.

Coach Dick Farley
Williams College (Mass.) (1987-2003)
Head Coach, 114-19-3, .849

A fixture at Williams College for 17 years, Dick Farley brought the Ephs to great heights and established himself as one of the greatest Division III coaches of all-time.

The only coach in Williams history to post a perfect season - a feat he accomplished five times, Farley was named Gridiron Club of Greater Boston New England Coach of the Year four times, NESCAC Coach of the Year twice and Division III Regional Coach of the Year in 1996 by AFCA. The recipient of the Johnny Vaught Lifetime Achievement Award, he recorded New England's longest Division III win streak (23 games).

In 17 years, Williams did not have a losing season on Farley's watch. He recorded 128 consecutive games without back-to-back losses, amassed 11 seasons with at least seven wins and had 12 seasons with one or zero losses.
A masterful leader, he coached nine First Team All-Americas.

Williams' all-time winningest coach, Farley retired with an overall record of 114-19-3 for a win percentage of .849, which currently ranks him sixth
among coaches in all divisions in college football history.

Coach John Gagliardi
Carroll College (Mont.) (1949-52), Saint John's University (Minn.)
(1953-present)
Head Coach, 432-118-11, .780

In 2003, John Gagliardi won his 409th game to pass Eddie Robinson as the winningest coach in the history of college football. Few people have influenced the game of football more on the small college level, and he isn't done.

Last season, Gagliardi's 57th, tied him with fellow Hall of Famer Amos Alonzo Staggs for most seasons coached in college football history. In this time, his teams have won four national championships, 27 conference titles and have appeared in 51 national playoff games. Despite his long tenure, Gagliardi has had only two teams with losing records and none since 1967.

To date, Gagliardi has a remarkable record of 432-118-11 for a winning percentage of .780. In 1993, the trophy that has annually been given to the Player of the Year on the Division III level was renamed the Gagliardi Trophy in recognition of the coach's career and influence.

A leader on the gridiron and off, Gagliardi has served as athletics director at both Carroll College and Saint John's. In addition to football, he has coached and won championships in track and ice hockey at SJU. His insights and strategy have been documented in four books written about the coach.

Coach Vernon "Skip" McCain
Maryland State College (1948-63)
Head Coach, 102-21-5, .810

For more than a quarter of a century Maryland State College was regarded as a football powerhouse among historically black colleges. The architect of
16 of these teams was head coach Vernon "Skip" McCain.

Named Coach of the Year by the Pigskin Club of Washington in 1950, McCain led his teams to four Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and never recorded a single losing season in 16 years at the helm.

With a career record of 102-21-5, McCain is one of only 28 coaches in the history of college football to have a winning percentage greater than .800 among those whom have coached at least nine seasons. A leader of men, he guided MSC to three undefeated seasons and seven seasons of seven wins or more. For all of his accomplishments, he was named to the MSC and Langston University Halls of Fame.

In the community, McCain served as the school's athletics director, head baseball coach and head basketball coach during his career. An active member of the Metropolitan United Church, he was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Langston University Alumni Association.

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NFF Contacts:
Matt Sweeney.....Director of Special Projects
22 Maple Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
973.829.1933 Ext. 116
www.footballfoundation.org

Phil Marwill.....Director of Communications
22 Maple Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
973.829.1933 Ext. 118
www.footballfoundation.org