Eagan, Murphy, Rivers get NFL opportunities on Saturday

NATCHITOCHES – Shortly after the end of the NFL Draft Saturday, three 2015 Northwestern State seniors already were in the NFL.

 Although undrafted, All-American receiver/return specialist Ed Eagan and offensive lineman Pace Murphy joined the ranks of the NFL with free agent deals. Eagan signed with the Dallas Cowboys while Murphy, a late riser in the NFL Draft process, reached agreement with the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Stephen Rivers got a free agent tryout opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals.

 Rivers was a graduate transfer who joined the NSU program last summer and finished the 2015 season strongly, while Eagan and Murphy were prep signees with Northwestern State.

 

Neither Eagan or Murphy redshirted as Demons, adding to the appeal of potentially bringing them along at the highest level, said NSU head coach Jay Thomas. Rivers’ only significant college playing time came last fall as he led the Demons to a 4-2 finish and ranked among the most efficient and accurate quarterbacks in the FCS ranks.

 

Murphy (6-6, 296) had an impressive Pro Day at NSU March 15 showcasing his agility and versatility, along with athleticism. Eagan (5-11, 192) had one of the most dynamic and productive careers of any NSU skill position player in the more than a century of Demon football history.

 “These guys deserve this opportunity and fit in the NFL over the long term because of their skill level, their approach, and their potential,” said Thomas. “They’re in the door. Now they get the chance they’ve dreamed about and hopefully these are good fits for them. We are confident they will represent us very well, as they always have, and they definitely have a professional approach, a maturity that gives them an advantage.”

Courtesy of NSU Athletics