JOESAM2002

Published - Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Saints grant UW-L's Powell a chance at the NFL

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By KIRK BEY / La Crosse Tribune

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The initial shock Dustin Powell felt Monday afternoon quickly gave way to elation. But he was, by his own admission, still a little stunned.

On Thursday, Powell — former UW-La Crosse linebacker and Tomah High School graduate — will fly to Louisiana for a tryout with the New Orleans Saints. Powell is doing so without a free-agent contract, but his agent, Sam Cipriano, said Powell could earn one if he performs well during the Saints' four-day minicamp.

It's not like Powell had given up hope of getting a shot with a professional football team. But until Cipriano told Powell the Saints wanted to take a look at him, Powell — who had talked to the Dallas Cowboys before the NFL draft — wasn't sure the NFL was in his future.

"(Hearing from the Saints) wasn't a surprise to Sam, but it was to me," Powell said. "I had fully intended to go to Canada or pursue another avenue.

"I think if I put together four good days down there, they'll bring me back to camp (this summer). It's possible I'll have a chance to make the team from there."

Cipriano, a Chicago-based agent, believes the 6-foot-1, 245-pound Powell has what it takes to earn a free-agent contract.

Powell had 98 tackles (12 for loss) and four sacks last year for UW-L, which won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. Plus, Cipriano said Powell ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash during a March workout for scouts from the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.

Cipriano didn't give up when Powell didn't hear from any teams after the NFL draft ended on April 25. Cipriano said he kept in contact with Saints special teams coach Al Everest and scout Mike Baugh, encouraging them to give Powell a look.

Cipriano's persistence paid off. He said Everest "went to bat" for Powell and was instrumental in bringing him in for a tryout.

"I think once the Saints see Dustin in person, they'll see he's an NFL player," Cipriano said. "The biggest question mark was the level of competition Dustin faced. When you compete at (the Division III) level, sometimes it's tough to evaulate someone's game.

"I think he's got all the athletic tools. Once he gets down there and they evaluate him, I think he's got a good chance to stick."

Powell is just happy he's getting the opportunity to do so.

"I would do anything to make the roster," Powell said.

baronm

does anyone know anything about this guy? training camp fodder?

LKelley67

predraft-

WISCONSIN-LACROSSE senior linebacker DUSTIN POWELL has received additional information from Miami, NY Jets and New England, since his Pro Day... while most are evaluating him at outside linebacker... there has also been some talk of taking a look at him back at safety, since he ran between 4.44 and 4.48 at his Pro Day... Powell is on-campus, and available to workout anytime before the draft, please contact his agent for additional information.

baronm

now that is interesting...SS?