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| Framingham State athletics file photo |
Joshua Onujiogu, a D3football.com All-Region 1 selection at defensive end out of Framingham State, has been signed by the Seattle Seahawks, while UW-River Falls tight end Ben Beise, a D3football.com All-Region 6 pick, was signed by the Tampa Bay Bucs. Division III football was shut out of the NFL draft in 2022.
Onujiogu racked up 13½ sacks for the Rams last fall, including four of them against Bridgewater State and one against Muhlenberg in the teams' playoff meeting last November. Measuring in at 6-2½, 252 pounds, Onujiogu turned heads with a big performance at a pro day workout at Holy Cross. He also received notice from the New England Patriots and Houston Texans. He projects as an edge in the NFL.
Beise, listed at 6-5, 255, compiled 414 all-purpose yards with three rushing and one receiving touchdowns, helping lead UWRF to a record-breaking 2021 season. During the 2021 season finale and his final game as a Falcon versus Washington U. in the inaugural Culver's Isthmus Bowl, Beise ran for a touchdown and collected a two-point conversion reception, helping the Falcons finish the season 9-2, for their most wins since 1996.
Originally a quarterback, Beise converted to tight end and didn't see action until his junior year in 2019 before his breakout 2021 season. After a 2020 COVID-19 canceled season, he returned for a fifth season and caught 38 passes for 358 yards along with 93 rushing yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. UWRF had the top scoring and rushing offense in the WIAC.
"Obviously, his talent and football ability are amazing, but I promise you that every player and coach would tell you that Ben is an even a better person," UW-River Falls coach Matt Walker said. "His commitment to being a great teammate and leading by example was one of the most powerful influences in our program. He is the hardest worker in practice, hardest worker in weight room, and the hardest worker outside of the building with nutrition and training his body. I know that he will give himself every opportunity to succeed."
In addition, a handful of players have been invited to team minicamps: North Central wide receiver Andrew Kamienski was invited to the Houston Texans' rookie minicamp. UW-Whitewater wide receiver Ryan Wisniewski will be attending the Packers minicamp, as will Kendall Karcz, a St. Norbert defensive back and Washington U. defensive back Andrew Whitaker. Buffalo State long snapper Cole Jenkins was invited to the Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp, and Hobart cornerback Jared Leake is an invitee of the New York Giants. Castleton defensive lineman Chris Rice will get a look from The Tennessee Titans in their minicamp as well. Howard Payne wide receiver Jake Parker lists three camp invites on his Twitter account, although it is not clear which he has accepted.
In a tough year for Division III football players to get noticed because of a glut of talent due in part to the pandemic, the number of signings has been small, but hopefully will increase.