BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New England Patriots cleared some room on their training camp roster Wednesday, releasing Perez Ashford, Lavelle Hawkins and Nick McDonald.
What's next? Something to do with Rutgers, of course.
According to multiple media reports Wednesday evening, the Patriots scooped up undrafted rookie defensive lineman Scott Vallone. Vallone is the ninth former Rutgers player and the sixth former Rutgers rookie currently on the team's roster.
The 23-year-old Vallone amassed 195 tackles and 8.5 sacks in four collegiate years and was a regular contributor from the start. According to ESPN Boston, Vallone wasn't invited to the NFL Combine but measured at 6-foot-2, 281 pounds at his spring pro day.
The Patriots drafted two Scarlet Knight defensive backs in the third round in Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan to join past college teammate Devin McCourty. They also drafted Rutgers linebacker Steve Beauharnais in the seventh round before signing cornerback Brandon Jones and receiver Mark Harrison as undrafted free agents.
Former Scarlet Knight defensive lineman Justin Francis and offensive lineman Kevin Haslam are also on the roster.
"I think the reason why Rutgers guys have success at the Patriots is because we're built to play football on the field, but live like a professional off the field," Ryan said in April, via ESPN Boston.
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