While New England schools may not produce NFL prospects as readily as the NCAA powerhouses found in Texas, Florida or Georgia, there are a select few local programs that continuously churn out NFL talent.
Local schools like Boston College and the University of Connecticut have established reputations as programs who continually contribute to NFL rosters.
Now that those rosters have been finalized, it looks like the University of Massachusetts should be added to that list as well.
A school-record six UMass players made it past the final round of NFL roster cuts on Sept. 4, and will be proudly representing the northeast this season. The former Minutemen left on active rosters range from second-round draft picks to unsigned free agents, but all enter the season as NFL players just the same.
Below is a list of all six players, the different paths they took to the NFL, and the potential impact they will have on their respective teams in 2010.
Vladimir Ducasse, guard, New York Jets
The 61st-overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Hatian-born Ducasse enters the season as the Jets’ second-string left guard. Ducasse was a FCS First Team All-American for UMass last season, and figures to be a big part of the Jets’ offensive lines of the future.
Victor Cruz, wide receiver, New York Giants
Cruz broke out in a big way in the 2010 preseason, coming out of nowhere to secure a spot as a wide receiver/special teamer for the Giants. Cruz led the league with 297 preseason receiving yards, and tied for the league lead with four touchdown receptions — three of which came in a nationally televised game against the Jets on August 16th. An undrafted free agent, Cruz has become an internet sensation thanks to this amazing catch.
James Ihedigbo, safety, New York Jets
Ihedigbo enters his third season with the Jets, and is listed as the team’s second-string strong safety. He’s also expected to make an impact on special teams. With Darrell Revis continuing to hold out, Ihedigbo may see more playing time in the Jets’ secondary.
Jeremy Horne, wide receiver, Kansas City Chiefs
Another undrafted free agent, Horne has made the Chiefs as their third-string wide receiver. He is thirteenth all-time in UMass history in receiving yards with 1,343, and is a weapon as a punt and kickoff returner as well.
Jeremy Cain, long snapper, Jacksonville Jaguars
Cain is in his second season with the Jaguars and fifth season in the NFL, having also spent time with Chicago and Tennessee. He started all 16 games at long-snapper for the Jaguars in 2009.
Matt Lawrence, running back, Baltimore Ravens
Lawrence spent time on the practice squads for both the Bears and Seahawks before finally making an NFL roster with the Ravens in 2008. He will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury, but could see time as a special teams player and reserve halfback later this year.
