Kevin Gidrey Released from Redskins

The Redskins have released former USF tight end Kevin Gidrey.

Former Bulls are having a rough start to the 2011 NFL season. With Murphy and Bogan both out for the season, another player was cut from their respective team today.

Fullback/tight end Kevin Gidrey was released from the Washington Redskins as the pro teams begin to cut and set their rosters. The 6-2 256-pound Gidrey had been doing well with the Redskins since the lockout was lifted, but now it appears he will have to find a new team.

Gidrey, the transfer from ECU wasn't a huge passing catching threat for the Bulls. He recorded 8 receptions for 95 yards including a long of 27 yards in 13 games (started 11 games). He was used primarily as a blocking fullback or blocking tight end as the offense began to transition to a more traditional pro-style and away from the old spread offense of two years ago. Gidrey was a solid contributor during his career at ECU, starting 21 games and appearing in 41 games total.

Gidrey will begin the search for a new team but should be able to find it quickly. He is a strong blocker, a hard worker and will find his way onto an NFL field soon.

We wish Gidrey the best of luck as he pursues his NFL career.

3 USF Bulls Get Drafted

Mistral Raymond was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings today during the NFL draft.

The Bulls made their presence in the NFL draft in the last two days. Although USF didn't have as many player drafted as last season, 3 players were taken and all will have a chance to rise up and make an impact on their respective NFL squads.

Defensive tackle Terrell McClain was taken with the first pick in the 3rd round (65th overall) by the Carolina Panthers. McClain, 6'3" 310-pounds, will make an immediate impact on the interior of their defensive and will probably either be a starter or a second-string player. He played in 50 games during his USF career, making 33 starts. He had 89 tackles, including 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Carolina was the last team Dancing Bear worked out for. McClain is a hard worker, despite ESPN talking about his work ethic. McClain has been a force on the interior of the USF defense, seeing 3 different coordinators during his time at USF.

Defensive back Mistral Raymond was selected in the 6th round (176 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings. Skinny played in 25-games in his time at USF, working his way up from walk-on, to team captain, to NFL pick. He had 96 tackles while at USF, 6.5 for loss. He had 2 interceptions and 7 pass break ups, being named 2nd team All Big East this season. Mistral is truly one of the best stories out there. Going through tragedy with the murder of his sister, his documented story through USF, this is a great reward for Mistral we can only hope he gets onto the field this season to show the rest of the world what he can do.

Linebacker Jacquian Williams was taken by the New York Giants with the 202nd overall pick. Williams, the former JUCO transfer, became a solid force in the middle of the field for the Bulls over the past two seasons. In 26 games, he totaled 99 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 3 pass break ups. Williams will join Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end, and first round pick of the Giants from last season.

Congratulations to the Bulls that were selected in the draft. The players that weren't picked, such as wide receiver Dontavia Bogan, tight end Kevin Gidrey, and center Sampson Genus, the NFL teams don't know what they missed out. All of the USF family supports you, loves you, and wishes you only the best as you continue your journey to the NFL and making an impact with a team in the very near future.

Long Road Traveled

Kevin Gidrey played only one season for the Bulls after transferring from ECU.

Coach Skip Holtz took over the Bulls in 2010 after great success at ECU. But he wasn't alone when he made the trip to Tampa. Tight end Kevin Gidrey decided to follow his coach and continue his education at USF and also his playing career. [keep reading]