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After seeing defensive end Ronald Blair taken by the 49ers in the early fifth round, Appalachian State added five more players to NFL rosters on Sunday.
Congrats to @AppState_FB alum @21DM_ERA, who has agreed to free-agent terms with @nyjets! #AppsInNFL pic.twitter.com/hzpQgXvmX7
— App State Athletics (@appstatesports) April 30, 2016
Congrats to @AppState_FB alum @malachijones_7, who has agreed to free-agent terms with @AtlantaFalcons! #AppsInNFL pic.twitter.com/GNMYGgVfhB
— App State Athletics (@appstatesports) May 1, 2016
Congrats to @AppState_FB alum Bobo Beathard, who has agreed to free-agent terms with @AZCardinals! #AppsInNFL pic.twitter.com/rGGRXw683S
— App State Athletics (@appstatesports) May 1, 2016
Congrats to @AppState_FB alum @McFresh83, who has agreed to free-agent terms with @Lions! #AppsInNFL pic.twitter.com/bAXc86gFKR
— App State Athletics (@appstatesports) May 1, 2016
Congrats to @AppState_FB alum @vante_92, who has agreed to free-agent terms with @Colts! #AppsInNFL pic.twitter.com/aY6oxgFxCC
— App State Athletics (@appstatesports) May 1, 2016
Doug Middleton, the 6'1" 210 lb free safety, who was a possible late-round draft pick, was picked up almost immediately following the draft by the New York Jets. Middleton joins former App State player Daniel Kilgore, who started at center last season before suffering a season-ending injury.
Following Middleton was all three starting wide receivers for the 2015 Mountaineers getting signed. Malachi Jones, the 6'1" 215 lbs, who was a major contributor in all four seasons with App State in the split end receiver position, is now an Atlanta Falcon. Jones comes from a family with deep football roots as his older brother, TJ Jones, played for Notre Dame and currently with the Detroit Lions. Malachi's late father Andre Jones was a member of Notre Dame's 1989 National Championship team.
Former walk on Sims McElfresh, a 5'10" 181 lb wide receiver was picked up by the Detroit Lions. McElfresh was known for being the primary slot receiver in his four seasons while also being in the slot back. McElfresh will join a former teammate in the Lions' starting punter Sam Martin.
The third App State receiver picked up was 5'10" 190 lb Bobo Beathard, who was signed by the Arizona Cardinals. Beathard started three seasons in the flanker receiver position, was also the primary punt returner for two seasons and also played in special teams coverage.
The fifth Mountaineers going pro is Davante Harris, the 6'6" 295 lbs left tackle was signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Harris played his senior season as left tackle, protecting Taylor Lamb's blindside, after playing right tackle and previously defensive line in his Mountaineer career.
These five additions means that App State now has 13 players currently on NFL teams. Along with Kilgore (49ers), Martin (Lions) and Blair (49ers), you have both Tony Washington and Demetrius McCray with the Jaguars, Kendall Lamm with the Texans, Travaris Cadet with the Saints and Brian Quick with the Rams.