The Daily Campus

Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Sayers Linebacker Danny Lansanah and Dan Davis both signed NFL Rookie Free Agent contracts Monday. Lansanah signed with the Green Bay Packers and Davis with the Indianapolis Colts.

As he watched as names flashed across the screen for two days, including those of teammates, Danny Lansanah admittedly was a bit discouraged.

But as this weekend's NFL Draft began to wind down, the former UConn linebacker's phone began to ring. Although it wasn't the call he'd been hoping for, it was a second chance at making his NFL dream come true.

On Monday, Lansanah agreed to terms with the Green Bay Packers on a rookie free agent contract. Defensive tackle Dan Davis, who also went undrafted, agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts.

"I don't think it really hit me yet," Lansanah said by phone Monday. "It's only going to hit me when I get down there."

Lansanah and Davis' deals will become official once they report to the teams' mini camps, which begin May 2 for rookies.

"I am very happy that they will have the opportunity to try to win a job in the NFL," said UConn head coach Randy Edsall in a statement. "They made significant contributions to our program here at UConn. I am proud of them and thankful for what they have done here and I wish them both the best of luck with these opportunities."

Lansanah said that he talked to multiple teams toward the end of the draft Sunday, but chose to sign with Green Bay because of the interest they'd shown leading up to the draft. After UConn's Pro Day March 27, the Packers were one of two teams to fly the linebacker in for a visit.

"I talked to the coaches a couple of times," Lansanah said. "They also travel with a lot of linebackers, so it's just a good fit for me."

Davis and Lansanah will join fellow teammates Tyvon Branch, who was taken by the Oakland Raiders with the first pick of round four, and Donald Thomas, whom the Dolphins selected in the sixth round, in the NFL.

Wide receiver/punt returner Larry Taylor has yet to sign on with a team.

Monday afternoon, Lansanah met up with Thomas and Davis, and the linebacker said the three all congratulated each other on their accomplishments. But each one still knows a long journey lies ahead.

"Now we have to go there, make the team and show them that we can play for their franchises," Lansanah said.



Contact Justin Verrier at

Justin.Verrier@UConn.edu.

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