 "Photo: Courtesy of Green Bay Packers")
 "Photo: Courtesy of Sports Information")
Hundreds of college football players watched last weekend as teams from the National Football League drafted the 2009 rookie class. Two of whom, tight end Robbie Agnone and defensive lineman Ronald Talley, hoped to represent the University of Delaware in the draft.
But day one came and went without either player picked up. Day two finished with similar results. Head coach K.C. Keeler wasn't sweating though.
"From the input we got from a lot of the teams, I was fairly positive that they would be signed," Keeler said.
Keeler's prediction proved correct. The Washington Redskins picked up Agnone and the Green Bay Packers signed Talley shortly after the draft ended.
Agnone, a transfer from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006, played three seasons at Delaware. After sharing time his first year, he took over the starting role and played an integral part in getting to the FCS title game in 2007.
In the 2008 season, assistant coach Greg Perry suggested a flexibility program to lengthen Agnone's stride.
"He's a great athlete for the big body he's in," Perry said. "I just suggested the program and he followed it religiously."
Perry admitted Agnone didn't need much help developing or getting into the NFL.
"I just attached my caboose to his engine, and he took me along for the ride," Perry said.
Hoping to get drafted in the later rounds, he said the Redskins informed him of their intentions during the fifth round. The Redskins called Agnone and told the tight end that he would be signed after the draft. Within five minutes of the draft's conclusion, Agnone was signed.
Agnone, who lives in Pennsylvania, said he and his family are excited for this opportunity.
"Washington is close to home," Agnone said. "It's really a dream come true."
Talley also transferred to Delaware in 2006, leaving the University of Notre Dame mid-season. In two years as a Hen, he quickly made a name for himself as a defensive threat. Assistant coach Phil Petitte said Talley excelled against the run.
"The Packers signed Ronald as a true run stopper and he probably felt more comfortable in their defensive scheme," Petitte said.
Since 2006, he said the dream of being in the NFL became more real as his teammates, as well as his competition, were getting drafted each year. Talley admitted he also paid close attention as players were picked off of the draft board last weekend.
"Of course I watched the draft, I knew the whole depth chart and where guys in front of me were going," Talley said.
Talley said that his family is very supportive of his decision to play in Green Bay.
"My family is excited and proud of me, but it's still me that has to do all the work," Talley said.
Keeler texted both players after the draft to congratulate them on joining their new teams. He said there wasn't much he needed to tell Talley or Agnone before the draft.
"They knew it wasn't going to be anything like it was last year when Joe [Flacco] was drafted by the [Baltimore] Ravens," Keeler said.
Over the past few years, professional scouts have been paying more attention to the university's football players. Ben Patrick and Joe Flacco both made significant impacts in the NFL. In 2008, Patrick caught the Arizona Cardinals' first Super Bowl touchdown in franchise history, and Flacco led the Ravens to an 11-5 record as a rookie quarterback, as well as becoming the first rookie quarterback to win two playoff games.
Keeler believes the performances of former Hens in the NFL will inspire more recruits to come to UD.
He said the school offers a well-rounded education and one of the most popular programs at the FCS level.
"Bigger is not always better. Better is better, " Keeler said.
Agnone and Talley will face the reality that as undrafted free agents they are no locks for roster spots and will have to work hard to have any chance. However, both players have positive attitudes entering their first practices.
"I'm still just trying to get used to how the team operates, and I'm focused on fitting in with them," Talley said. "I'm going to get faster, stronger, smarter and try to improve every aspect of my game."
Petitte said he does not doubt Talley's ability to succeed with the Packers.
"Right now they are concentrating on the rookies and whether or not they can absorb new information," Petitte said. "Ronald is a very smart football player - he'll absorb everything."
Agnone is using advice that a former teammate currently on the Kansas City Chiefs gave to him. The advice was to go hard, and give 100 percent on every single play. Agnone said he brought that advice into his first practice.
"These guys are huge at this level, but if I'm going to make the team, it will be through special teams," Agnone said. "I have to play every snap to the best of my ability."
Still, Agnone admitted it is somewhat intimidating being in the locker room with so many veteran players.
"I feel like a freshman all over again," he said. "Like a lost puppy."
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