April 29, 2007

LUBBOCK, Texas - For the second time in three years, three Red Raiders heard their names called during the NFL Draft. Manny Ramirez, Joel Filani and Keyunta Dawson were selected on the second day of the draft, while other Red Raiders signed free agent contracts.

The last time three players went in the draft was in 2005 when Dylan Gandy, Daniel Loper and Mike Smith were selected on the second day, marking then the first time since 1994 that three players were chosen.

Ramirez went to Detroit in the fourth round, while Filani and Dawson were selected by Tennessee and Indianapolis in the sixth and seventh rounds, respectively. Ramirez's selection is the first for a Texas Tech offensive guard since Russell Ingram was chosen in the ninth round by Atlanta in the 1973 draft.

Filani is the first wide receiver to go since Carlos Francis in 2004, while Dawson, drafted as a linebacker, was the first defensive end since Aaron Hunt in 2003 to be selected.

In seven seasons as head coach of the Texas Tech program, Mike Leach has seen 13 players selected on NFL Draft days.

"We have had a good run in the NFL Draft since the 2000 season, although I thought in some years more should have been taken," Leach said. "These three players deserve every opportunity afforded them, as do the players that signed free agent deals. They are all very deserving."

Punter Alex Reyes inked a three-year free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings, while offensive tackle Gabe Hall and wide receiver Jarrett Hicks signed with the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers.

More players could sign free agent deals, and those will be updated as they are completed.