JOESAM2002

Hill invited to Saints camp
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- One Marshall football free agent has been invited to a National Football League mini-camp next week while another continues to wait for "the call."

Former Thundering Herd quarterback Stan Hill will attend the New Orleans Saints camp beginning May 6. Hill has not signed a free agent contract and could participate in future camps with the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hill threw for 2,387 yards and 18 touchdowns with 14 interceptions last season. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Hill battled knee, rib and elbow injuries during his two-year stint as Marshall’s starting quarterback.

His torn anterior cruciate ligament was the most severe and required surgery, but NFL scouts apparently are more concerned with Hill’s ribs. Like a back injury to an offensive lineman, sore ribs constitute a red flag among NFL personnel officials.

"Ribs are one of those things that stay with you," Hill said. "It’s getting better but it’s one of those things that they have to look at."

Hill said waiting through last weekend’s NFL Draft and several days without an NFL camp invitation was testing, but he understands teams’ concerns.

"It’s just unlucky but it’s hard to invest in a guy that’s been injured the last years," Hill said. "If I get a chance I’ll give it my best shot and I’ll try to play as long as possible."

Nate Griffin, meanwhile, continues to wait for a camp invitation and/or a free agent contract offer. The 6-foot-6, 344-pound offensive lineman was in contact with five NFL teams following Sunday night’s draft, but no one has offered.

Griffin’s snub to this point is puzzling considering his size and production. He didn’t allow a sack at right tackle in 2003 and was the lone constant on an otherwise inconsistent line last season at left tackle.

Injuries and character also aren’t concerns, leaving Griffin admittedly baffled.

"To be honest, I have no idea," Griffin said. "It’s one of those things that does test your patience. … Even the scouts have no idea. (Scouts) from the Dolphins and Rams said they knew if I didn’t get drafted that I would sign as a free agent.

"Everybody seems to be confused, but I’m trying to be patient and let things work out. … My agent is talking to (NFL teams) and they call me every day giving me updates. I’m just waiting to get the word and when I do I’ll be ready."