SU's Kyle Acker Signs NFL Free Agent Contract With New Orleans Saints
April 27, 2004

Salisbury, Md. - Salisbury University's senior tight end Kyle Acker (Annapolis, MD/Annapolis HS) has signed a rookie free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League, as announced Monday evening by the NFL team.

Acker was one of seven rookie free agents signed by the Saints. He chose the Saints after receiving free agent offers from at least two other teams also following the completion of the NFL Draft on Sunday evening.

"I think this is a good situation for me with the Saints,"  said Acker. "They told me they would probably bring four or five tight ends into preseason camp and probably keep four. I know there is a big difference in levels between Division III and the NFL, but I hope to start learning as soon as possible about how the game is played at that level.

"I know I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm pretty excited and I'm ready to go."

Acker finished with 18 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns during a 7-2 campaign for Salisbury in 2003. Acker was selected as a second team All-American by www.d3football.com and was one of just two NCAA Division III players invited to play in the Las Vegas All-American All-Star Classic following the season.

The 6'3", 255-pounder completed his two-year Sea Gull career with 29 catches for 375 yards and six touchdowns. He was also an effective run blocker that helped SU's option-oriented attack finish among the NCAA's top rushing offenses in each of the last two years. Acker joined Salisbury as a junior transfer after beginning his collegiate career at Averett (Va.) University.

Acker was included in many 2004 NFL Draft previews as one of the top tight end prospects in the nation, and had numerous scouts visit campus for one on one interviews and workouts during the past several months.

He will report to New Orleans later this week to finalize paperwork and receive a playbook. He is the only rookie tight end signed by the Saints to date. New Orleans finished 8-8 overall in 2003.

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