Temple University Athletics
Derenthal Signs Rookie Free Agent Contract with Giants
5.11.09 | Football
May 11, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - Center Alex Derenthal (Davie, Fla.) signed a rookie free agent contract with the New York Giants over the weekend.
He joins three other Owls who have signed with NFL teams so far this spring. Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (Windsor, Conn.) was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the eighth pick of the third round (72nd pick overall) of the 2009 National Football League Draft. Offensive tackle Andre Douglas (New Rochelle, N.Y.) signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while wide receiver and kickoff returner Travis Shelton (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) signed with the Denver Broncos.
Quarterback Adam DiMichele (McKees Rocks, Pa.) has been invited to his second camp with the Philadelphia Eagles which begins on May 18. He also participated in their mini-camp on May 1-3.
A Second-Team All-MAC pick by the coaches and a Third-Team All-MAC honoree by Phil Steele, Derenthal finished his career with a school record 47 consecutive starting appearances at center. A candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy, Rimington Trophy, and Rudy Award, he is a two-time team captain and a 2008 ECAC All-Star. Named to the 2007 AFCA Good Works Team, Derenthal earned the team's Offensive MVP honor in 2007 and Team MVP accolades in 2006 as a sophomore. He was the recipient of the 2008 Captains' Award and the George M. Illman Award for Leadership on and off the field.
A two-year team captain, DiMichele overcame two serious injuries over the last year en route to consecutive team MVP honors. He finished the 2008 season, throwing 134-of-231 (58.0 percent) for 1,191 yards and 18 touchdowns in nine games. The quick-footed senior also rushed 61 times for 91 yards and three touchdowns. DiMichele finished his collegiate career with 5,024 yards passing, including a school record four 300-yard passing games. DiMichele ranks fourth on Temple's career chart, and with eleven 200-yard passing games, which ranks third on TU's career list. DiMichele also holds the school record for touchdown passes in a game with six (vs. Eastern Michigan, 2008). He earned the coaches' offensive player of the game honors twice, following the Army and Navy games.
There were five former Owls on NFL rosters last season-- DL Raheem Brock (Indianapolis Colts), DT Antwon Burton (St. Louis Rams), DT Dan Klecko (Philadelphia Eagles), FB Jason McKie (Chicago Bears), and LB Rian Wallace (Washington Redskins).
Temple opens the 2009 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 with Villanova in the inaugural Mayor's Cup at Lincoln Financial Field.
