Former Kennesaw State running back Bronson Rechsteiner and former defensive lineman Auzoyah Alufohai each signed free-agent contracts with NFL teams following the conclusion of the NFL Draft on Saturday, April 25.
Rechsteiner signed with the Baltimore Ravens, while Alufohai signed with the Houston Texans.
Last season, Rechsteiner had a record-setting performance for the Owls, rushing for a total of 221 yards in a single game against Missouri State. He finished his four-year career with a total of 1,496 yards on 244 carries and 9 rushing touchdowns, according to KSU Athletics.
At the team’s Pro Day on Wednesday, March 11, Rechsteiner showed off his speed and strength. He clocked in a 4.48 second 40-yard dash — a time faster than many of the top running backs in the 2020 NFL Draft, according to NFL.com. Rechsteiner also ended with a team-high total of 35 bench reps at 225 pounds.
“Whoever wants to take me, I can care less what location,” Rechsteiner said after the Pro Day. “I’d be honored … the NFL is the top tier in football. That’s the pinnacle of the sport. I’d be honored to get their interest or get picked up however it ends up.”
Alufohai joined Rechsteiner as the second former Owl to sign into free agency after the 2020 draft.
The Alpharetta, Georgia, native played regularly at the nosetackle position in 2017, featuring as part of a formidable defensive line that helped KSU to its first FCS playoff appearance.
Alufohai spent three years playing at KSU, with his final season played at the University of West Georgia, according to KSU Athletics. Over his three years at KSU, Alufohai played a total of 32 games and accumulated 47 total tackles.
At UWG, Alufohai totaled 31 tackles with four tackles for loss, according to UWG Athletics.
During UWG’s Pro Day on Tuesday, March 10, Alufohai secured 20 reps during the 225-pound bench press, with a vertical jump measuring 29 inches.
“His work ethic and his drive and want-to is unbelievable,” UWG linebackers’ coach J.R. Dorman said. “He is going to do everything he needs to do, and do it the right way, to put himself in the best situation to be successful. I know he’s extremely hungry to get to that next level, and I truly believe that kid is going to play somewhere at the next level.”
Rechsteiner and Alufohai are products of a young KSU football program, making the total number of Owls who have signed free-agent contracts in the NFL increase to five.
Keep following the Sentinel for more updates on former KSU players in NFL free agency.
