Former University of Miami safety Ray Ray Armstrong, whose college career was derailed by off-the-field issues, has signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent.
Armstrong was rated by ESPN as the nation’s 18th-best NFL prospect before his junior season at UM in 2011. But suspensions imposed by UM coach Al Golden for team rule violations and the NCAA in connection with the Nevin Shapiro scandal shortened Armstrong’s junior season to seven games. He was dismissed from the team before his senior season and didn’t play college football last year.
Other UM players who signed as free agents are offensive lineman Jeremy Lewis (Tampa Bay) and linebacker Ramon Buchanan (Seattle). Lewis is a graduate of Palm Beach Lakes High School.
JORGE MILIAN
Three FSU players sign as free agents: Florida State's busy NFL draft weekend continued when three former Seminoles signed deals as undrafted free agents.
Fullback Lonnie Pryor, a former Okeechobee High School star, signed with Jacksonville, and receiver Rodney Smith and defensive tackle Anthony McCloud were picked up by Minnesota. A record 11 FSU players were players taken in the draft.
• The Florida Gators, who had eight players chosen in the draft, saw six more sign as free agents. Offensive tackle Xavier Nixon went to Washington, defensive tackle Omar Hunter to Pittsburgh, defensive end Earl Okine to Houston, linebacker Lerentee McCray to Denver, running back Omarius Hines to Baltimore and receiver Frankie Hammond to Kansas City.
• Other local players who announced they had signed were N.C. State safety Brandan Bishop (Boca Raton) with Minnesota and Towson safety Jordan Dangerfield (Royal Palm Beach) with Buffalo.
• Receiver Duron Carter, a St. Thomas Aquinas graduate who played one season at Ohio State before transferring to Alabama and Florida Atlantic and not playing at either of those schools, will sign with Minnesota, ESPN.com reported. His father, Cris Carter, starred 12 seasons as a receiver with the Vikings.
