Two Former Tigers Sign with NFL Teams
At the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft last Saturday, two former student-athletes on the 2017 Riverside City College football team inked free agent contracts with NFL teams.
Quarterback turned wide receiver Travis Jonsen signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver and tight end Cam Sutton agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers.
Jonsen played quarterback for the Tigers during the 2017 season. He played 10 games for the Tigers under center. He completed 26 of 49 passes leading to four touchdowns and no interceptions. He did damage with his legs by carrying the ball 39 times for 427 yards and three touchdowns.
He continued on to sign a National Letter of Intent to Montana State University where he transitioned from a gunslinger to an all-purpose monster. In 12 games played as a Bobcat, the 6-4, 211 lbs Fullerton, CA native caught 28 passes for 319 yards and a touchdown. He carried the rock 36 times for 199 yards and five touchdowns. Furthermore, he lined up under center for six snaps and tossed one touchdown. He finished his career with six total touchdowns and 518 total yards. His efforts earned him First-Team All-Big Sky All-Purpose honors.
Jonsen will compete for a roster spot against some of the deadliest threats the NFL has to offer including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and newly acquired Rob Gronkowski.
Sutton was a massive threat on the field as a wide receiver for the Tigers. In 2017, the 6-6, 215 lbs. wide receiver played in nine games where he caught 14 passes for 287 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 31.9 yards-per-game and had a trio of two touchdown games.
Sutton signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Fresno State University where he made the transition to tight end. He was expected to make a large impact on the offense, but finished with six receptions for 112 yards. He was primarily utilized as a pass blocker.
Sutton will look to land a roster spot on a Panther's team that is not entirely deep at the tight end position. Newly signed Teddy Bridgewater is the favorite to start under center.