April 30, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Four former University of Maryland football players agreed to free-agent deals with NFL teams.
On Monday, quarterback Sam Hollenbach and offensive tackle Stephon Heyer signed with the Washington Redskins, and defensive lineman Conrad Bolston inked a deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Linebacker David Holloway signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals Sunday evening.
At least six Terps from the 2006 squad will have a chance to make an NFL team as cornerback Josh Wilson was chosen Saturday with the 23rd pick in the second round (55th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks, and Adam Podlesh was taken Sunday with the second choice in the fourth round (102nd overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A two-year starter, Hollenbach earned honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a senior when he was the MVP of the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl. Hollenbach became the fourth quarterback in school history to throw for over 5,000 yards, joining Scott Milanovich (1992-95), Boomer Esiason (1981-83) and Scott McBrien (2002-03) on that list.
Hollenbach ranks fourth in Terps history in career passing yards (5,139) and fourth in total offense (5,114).
A three-year starter, Heyer overcame a season-ending knee injury at the start of the 2005 season to play in all 13 games last year. He started 37 games, all at left tackle, in his career.
Last season Heyer led an offensive line which enabled running backs Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore to each rush for over 700 yards. The offensive line allowed just 19 sacks, the second-lowest total in the ACC. Heyer played in the 2007 Hula Bowl and took part in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind.
Holloway is a versatile linebacker who started three years both inside and outside. He started 34 of the final 35 games of his career. He had 186 career tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and six sacks, as well as three caused fumbles and five pass breakups
Holloway started at middle linebacker in 2006 and was the third-leading tackler on the team with 70 stops. He also went on to play in the Hula Bowl.
Bolston was an anchor in the middle of the defensive line for the Terps. He was a three-year starter who earned a spot on the 2006 preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy.
Bolston played in 44 career games, including 29 starts. He recorded 107 career tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. His play last season earned him a trip to the Hula Bowl.
updated May 1, 12:15 p.m.
