There was some good news for two former USF players last night as WR Dontavia Bogan and C Sampson Genus both signed undrafted free agents deals with the San Fransisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers.
Bogan was asked to carry the load for the Bulls at WR last season with injuries to A.J. Love and Sterling Griffin and he delivered. In 12 games, Dontavia caught a team high 47 balls for 685 yards and 6 touchdowns. Opposing secondaries shifted their coverage around Bogan as he was the only wide receiver with any type of experience last season, but was still able to put up some of the best numbers in USF history. His 685 receiving yards was 2nd in USF history, and his 6 touchdown catches placed him 2nd in USF history as well.
Bogan will have to make his mark on special teams, and his ability to return kicks might prove to be valuable if he's able to latch onto the final roster. There are 7 wide receivers on San Fransisco's current squad, but Bogan might have a chance as no one on the roster has had a chance to learn Jim Harbaugh's new offense. I'm sure that San Fransisco's new linebackers coach will try to keep Bogan on as well.
Genus was one of the best offensive lineman in the Big East over the past two seasons. The 6'1", 315 lb lineman was the leader of an experienced offensive line, and was named to the 2010 All-Big East Team after being named to the 2nd team his junior year. Genus has a decent chance of making the final roster, with Scott Wells as the only true center on the roster. Genus has had experience at offensive guard earlier in his career, so his versatility could prove to be valuable for the Super Bowl Champs.
Good luck to both of them at the next level, and check back to Voodoo Five for more information on USF.