Weems closing in on roster spot

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Flowery Branch - Eric Weems was issued his union card from the NFLPA in 2007.

Now, after spending parts of the last two seasons on Atlanta’s practice squad, he’s trying to figure out a way to make his union card a little more valuable.

“A lot of times young guys come in and they want to be in the NFL,” Falcons wide receiver coach Terry Robiskie said. “The union gives them a union card and they are happy.”

Not Weems.

“After a period of time, that big light comes on and guys realize there is something that they have to do to keep this union card,” Robiskie said. “It isn’t free tuition. You’ve got to get there. I think Eric is kind of at that point.”

After being signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Bethune-Cookman in 2007, Weems has been on the Falcons practice squad before being elevated to the 53-man roster late in each of the last two seasons.

He played in six games last season and even caught one pass from scrimmage.

This season, he’d like to start out on the 53-man roster, which could happen. Midway through the exhibition season, Weems has a legitimate shot to land a spot as a backup receiver and punt returner.

“Eric is a guy who has really paid his dues to get an opportunity to where he’s at right now,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Eric has done a nice job special teams-wise. His role has a chance to expand this year.”

Weems caught a break when punt returner Harry Douglas suffered a season-ending knee injury. That opened up the punt returner job. Weems, who returned punts in college, had a 34-yard return against Detroit.

Cornerback Chris Houston, a second-round pick in 2007, has watched Weems’ continue to progress.

“Weems has always worked hard since he got here,” Houston said. “He’s a hard worker on special teams and he catches the ball in practice.”

Bethune-Cookman has produced a host of pro players, mostly recently Green Bay safety Nick Collins, who was drafted in the second round of the 2005 draft.

Weems spent two seasons practicing daily against Collins.

“I was like, ‘Hey, it doesn’t matter what school you go to, it’s your ability,’ ” Weems said. “I was just hoping that I would get an opportunity to play on the next level.”

Weems, who is 5 foot 9 and 194 pounds, had no major college offers when he graduated from Seabreeze High in Ormond Beach, Fla.

“I was like 150, 160 pounds,” Weems said. “It was either Bethune-Cookman, Georgia Southern or Valdosta State.”

He went on to catch 178 passes for 2,533 yards and 19 touchdowns over his career with the Wildcats. Going against Collins in practice helped.

“Nick was a competitive person. We always used to tussle,” Weems said.

After being activated last season, Weems played on special teams.

“That let me know that they had confidence in me and that they trusted my ability,” Weems said. “They knew I could go out there and get the job done.”

Weems is hardly celebrating, not with two games still left in the exhibition season.

“No, I can’t ever think I’ve got something made,” Weems said. “I just go out and work hard every day. It’s a process for me. I have to take steps. I have to crawl before I can walk.”