More LSC players sign with Rams

UCO's Asiodu signs with Rams
ST. LOUIS (April 28) – Central Oklahoma outside linebacker K.C. Asiodu has signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Rams and will attend a mini-camp with the NFL team starting Thursday.

The 6-3, 230-pound Asiodu was the Lone Star Conference North Division co-Linebacker of the Year in 2008 after compiling 74 tackles, including 13.5 for loss with 4.5 sacks. He also intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown, and had three forced fumbles with five passes broken up.

A two-time LSC North Division Defensive Player of the Week selection during the season, Asiodu picked the Rams after mulling over offers from several other teams following last weekend’s NFL draft.

“The Rams were the best fit for us and what we’re trying to do,” Asiodu said Tuesday from his father’s house in Los Angeles. “We wanted to go to a team that didn’t draft heavy at linebacker and had some need at that position. They (Rams) only drafted one linebacker, and that was a middle, so they definitely have a need on the outside.

“We saw this as a great opportunity and took it. As a rookie trying to make the roster, special teams will be essential and I’m going in there with the mindset of doing anything I can to help the team. I’ll play on as many special teams as possible and do whatever they want me to do.”

Asiodu came to the Bronchos for his senior season after playing three years at UNLV. A superb athlete with great speed, he had an immediate impact and was a major force in UCO’s drive to the LSC North Division championship.

Now it’s off to the NFL.

“It’s definitely been a lifelong dream of mine to play in the NFL and this is a major blessing,” Asiodu said. “There’s been a lot of hard work on my part and a lot of other people who have helped me get to where I am today. It’s been a great experience.”

Jarrett Byers Signs Free Agent Deal with St. Louis Rams
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. ---- Northeastern State University (OK) wide receiver Jarrett Byers, was signed Monday as a free agent by the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League.
Byers, a native of Kansas City , Kan. , will report to the Rams on Wednesday for physicals before mini camp begins later in the week. Byers was the only RiverHawk chosen during the recent NFL draft.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to get my foot in the door, it is something I have always wanted to do,” said Byers. “I just want to go out and impress the coaches during mini camp and get to know the rest of the guys on the team.”

A three-year starter at Northeastern State, Byers established three school records during his career and was selected by the Football Gazette as a All-American return specialist as a senior. Byers owns the RiverHawks record for receptions in a career (165), receiving yards in a career (2,545) and touchdowns in a career (28).

Selected as the Lone Star Conference North Division Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in 2007, Byers missed much of that season after suffering a broken jaw on the third play of the game at Eastern New Mexico . However, Byers received a medical hardship ruling and returned for an additional season in 2008 where he earned First Team All-LSC North honors. He was also selected to the All-Conference team in 2005 & 2006.

According to the stlrams.com web site, a receiver is “perhaps the position where a young undrafted player might have his best position to stick.” Northeastern State football head coach Kenny Evans thinks Byers has the tools to play in the NFL.

“Jarrett is an extremely deserving young man and I know her will take full advantage of this special opportunity,” said Evans. “Very few people get a chance to go to the NFL and we are excited about one of our own getting this chance to perform at the next level.”