:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63686924/2018_8_30UCFKnightsUConnHuskies063.8.jpeg)
For the first time in three years, the NFL Draft came and went without a former UConn football player hearing their name called. Now, the Huskies not drafted will try to get their foot in the door and stick with a NFL team this spring. Here’s where some of the players have ended up so far:
Quarterback David Pindell - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to The Athletic’s Greg Auman, Pindell will tryout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the team’s rookie camp as an athlete/wide receiver. If he impresses the team during the tryout, Pindell can earn an undrafted rookie free agent contract and an invite to the Buccaneers’ training camp.
Despite posting one of the best seasons from a quarterback in UConn history this past year, the change of position isn’t a surprise for Pindell at the next level. However, he didn’t test will during his pro day in March according to Hearst CT Media, which didn’t help his stock. Pindell will need to quickly adapt to a new spot on offense and show off his elusiveness with the ball during his tryout in order to earn a contract with the Bucs.
Wide Receiver Kyle Buss - Minnesota Vikings
Buss will join the Minnesota Vikings, also on a rookie camp tryout. The wideout announced the news on his twitter. While UConn’s Pro Day was closed to the media, Jim Fuller of Hearst CT reported Buss ran a 4.49 40-yard dash. During the 2018 season, the wideout lead the team with 482 receiving yards and finished tied for first with 32 catches. Buss played out of the slot for the Huskies and flashed a big-play ability with multiple 40+ yard plays, including an 80-yard reception against Tulsa.
Center Ryan Crozier - Denver Broncos
Crozier announced he will sign with the Denver Broncos but doesn’t specify if that’s as a rookie free agent or as a tryout like Pindell or Buss. Just last summer, former UConn offensive tackle Andreas Knappe spent training camp with the Broncos so the team is familiar with former Huskies along the line.
During his time at UConn, Crozier was one of the steadiest players along an often-shaky offensive line but struggled to stay healthy. He’ll need to say on the field in Denver if he has any hope of pushing for even a spot on a practice squad in the NFL.