Murray State University Athletics
Former Racers Sign On With NFL Teams
5/8/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
At least two former Murray State football players could be on the rosters of National Football League teams this fall.
According to MSU head coach Joe Pannunzio, defensive tackle Cedric Harden and tailback Billy Blanchard ? two players who were instrumental to the Racers' 2002 Ohio Valley Conference championship ? signed undrafted free agent contracts with two NFL franchises on April 28.
Harden signed on with the Tennessee Titans while Blanchard inked a contract with the Cleveland Browns.
"I'm pleased for both Cedric and Billy because they were very important to our football program here at Murray State," said MSU head coach Joe Pannunzio. "I think both guys have a great shot at making it in professional football, and I certainly wish them the best."
A native of Humble, Texas, Harden's Murray State career was a brief one after transferring from Missouri before the 2002 season. However, it proved to be a productive one year as the 6-3, 305-pounder teamed with fellow senior tackle James Bridges to give the Racers a formidable one-two punch on the defensive line.
In his lone season in an MSU uniform, Harden compiled 37 tackles ? 27 of which were solo ? and tied for the team lead in sacks with three for the 7-5 Racers, who earned a trip to the Division I-AA Playoffs with a season-ending victory over Eastern Illinois.
Blanchard, who transferred to Murray from Itawamba Junior College before the 2001 campaign, emerged as MSU's best tailback during his second and final season with the Racers.
The 6-0, 234-pounder rushed for a team-high 1,081 yards on 179 attempts for an average of 6.0 yards per carry while scoring 16 touchdowns ? 10 more than any other Racer. Blanchard finished his Murray State career with 1,796 rushing yards and 19 TDs.
? Courtesy of Murray Ledger & Times ?
