Gant Looks to Make Jump to NFL
Published on April 19, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Rio Grande Valley Dorados News Release
HIDALGO, TX: April 19, 2005 â The arenafootball2's Rio Grande Valley Dorados are hoping to serve as a stepping stone for another NFL possibility, as the team has placed Julius Gant on their "exempt to other league" list so that he may accept a rookie camp invite with an NFL team. The move was one of four moves made, as the Dorados also placed offensive specialist Craig Cole on the short-term IR and activated lineman Gathan McGinnis and wide receiver/defensive back Pierre Thomas from IR.
Gant, an offensive and defensive lineman, started for the Dorados in both of the Dorados two games played and registered a sack Saturday in Florida. He turned pro with the Dorados after playing collegiately at Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN). The Atlanta, Georgia native played three seasons with the Blue Raiders and played in 1,797 snaps, registering 121 knockdowns. He started in 25 of the 34 games he played in and was a five-time recipient of the team's "Most Valuable Lineman" honor issued after every game. The 6'4 305-pound lineman claimed three of the honors as a senior in 2003 with top performances against Missouri, Utah State and Troy State. He had a cumulative grade performance of 82 percent during his senior season and graded out a season best 89 against Missouri and Georgia. The 23 year-old Gant grew up in Atlanta and was a member of the All-City Team while at Southside High School.
The advancement to an NFL camp for Gant marks him as the second player ever to head to an NFL invite after dawning a Dorados uniform. Last season, Preston Hartfield departed the team to accept a camp invitation with the Baltimore Ravens. Hartfield ended up signing an NFL contract with the Ravens but was later released during training camp. He is currently going through workouts with various NFL and CFL teams and recently conducted a workout with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dorados will be without Gant this weekend as they venture to California to face the Bakersfield Blitz. They will be conducting their final practice of the week Wednesday from 10-11:45 AM before leaving the Valley Thursday to prepare for their Friday night tilt. Gant's invite will place him in camp on May 8th and he will be leaving the Valley sometime this week, so interview requests can be made by contacting Chris Due at the Dorados offices. The Dorados have chosen not to reveal the NFL team due to the team's request and Gant's draft eligibility concerns.
Rio Grande Valley returns home for Monday night football at Chase Field inside Dodge Arena on May 2nd, as they host the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings. Individual tickets are available by stopping by any Dodge Arena ticket outlet or contacting the Dorados offices at 956-843-7825. Additional info can also be found by visiting the Dorados online at www.doradosfootball.com.
arenafootball2 Stories from April 19, 2005
- Riptide Home Opener Saturday - San Diego Riptide
- Battle Wings Trade For All-af2 QB Tim Hicks - Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings
- Gambling State University Band Performing at Yard Dawgz Halftime - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
- Gant Looks to Make Jump to NFL - Rio Grande Valley Dorados
- Grambling State University band coming to OKC - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
- Birmingham Steeldogs game notes - Alabama Steeldogs
- af2 nation - OSC Original by Walter L. Johnson II
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
