For the past two seasons, quarterback Nathan Dick and linebacker Frank Newsome served as the anchors for the UCA offense and defense, and helped the Bears take the next big step in the program's development – leading the team to its first Division I playoff appearance in 2011.
Now, they will both have the opportunity to take the next big step individually as they have each agreed to free agent deals with NFL teams following the league's draft, which concluded Saturday.
Dick, a 6-foot-3, 215-lb. quarterback from Allen, Texas who threw for a UCA-record 3,275 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2011, agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys hosted Dick for a pre-draft visit earlier in the month.
Newsome, a 6-foot, 232-lb. linebacker from Petal, Miss. who was second on the team last season with 86 tackles, including 12.5 for loss and two sacks, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
UCA has now placed players in the NFL or CFL every season since 2006.
"This is an opportunity for those guys that is very much deserved," said UCA head coach Clint Conque. "They are outstanding young men and December graduates from UCA. They have been leaders in our program and prolific impact players during their career here. Their talents have been recognized by pro scouts, and they now have the opportunity to go prove themselves and further their playing careers at the highest level. That's a testament to the type of football player and young men they are, and we wish them the best."
The Cowboys drafted just two offensive players, taking Virginia Tech wide receiver Danny Coale in the 5th round and Oklahoma tight end James Hanna in the 6th. The Cowboys website lists their current quarterbacks as longtime starter Tony Romo, backup Stephen McGee – a three-year veteran out of Texas A&M, and 35 year-old journeyman Chris Griesen – a 7th round pick of the Arizona Cardinals out of Northwest Missouri State in the 1999 draft – as the third-string quarterback.
The Bucs drafted a pair of linebackers, taking OLB Lavonte David from Nebraska in the 2nd round and ILB Najee Goode out of West Virginia in the 3rd.
UCA alums currently playing professionally include tight end Marquez Branson with the Atlanta Falcons and defensive end Markell Carter with the New England Patriots, along with cornerback/return specialist Tristan Jackson of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and defensive end Taylor Scott of the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL.
Along with Carter, drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 draft, UCA has had two other defensive ends drafted in recent years with Larry Hart going to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 5th round of the 2010 draft and Jacob Ford being selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 6th round of the 2007 draft.
