The NFL draft ended Sunday, but some former Tigers who were not drafted will still get the opportunity to reach their NFL dreams. Four former LSU athletes agreed to free-agent contracts Monday. The defending Super Bowl champion, the New York Giants signed former offensive tackle Carnell Stewart, who was originally recruited as a defensive tackle but converted to offense before his junior season. The River Ridge native started all 14 games and recorded 56 knockdowns this past season as a senior. Cornerback Jonathan Zenon signed with the Cleveland Browns. Zenon started 30 games during his LSU career and tallied 95 tackles, nine interceptions, 25 pass breakups and three touchdowns. Baton Rouge sports agent Ben Gibson represents Stewart and Zenon. “Phones started ringing before the draft was over,” Gibson said. “There was a lot of interest with a lot of teams, and we had our choice. They went where they wanted to go. I’m just happy they’re getting a chance to live out their boyhood dreams.” Linebacker Luke Sanders, who started 11 games this past season, stayed close to home and signed with the Saints. Sanders played both inside and outside linebacker at LSU and totaled 75 tackles – 2.5 for a loss – and 3.5 sacks. He also had two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hurries. Another linebacker, Ali Highsmith, will join former LSU receiver Early Doucet in Arizona. The Cardinals selected Doucet in the third round of the NFL draft. Highsmith finished his career with 260 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and three fumble recoveries. Highsmith was projected as a first-day pick, but his draft stock fell after the NFL combine and LSU’s Pro Day. Highsmith was clocked at 4.96 in the 40-yard dash and 4.29 in the 20-yard shuttle. The Miami native garnered several accolades during his LSU career, including being named a 2007 First-Team All-American by CBSSports.com and a 2007 Second-Team All-American by the Associated Press. The four new signees brought the number of LSU athletes signed in the past three days to 11. Seven Tigers were picked in the draft, starting with defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey who was the No. 5 overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Cornerback Chevis Jackson, running back Jacob Hester and Doucet were selected in the third round. Safety Craig Steltz was selected in the fourth round. Quarterback Matt Flynn and tight end Keith Zinger were selected in the seventh round. “I’m so proud of all of our seniors because they have been a part of the most successful class in the history of LSU football,” LSU coach Les Miles said in a news release.
—-Contact Johanathan Brooks at [email protected]