Indiana University Athletics
Four Hoosiers to Join NFL Teams as Free Agents
4/24/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 24, 2001
Bloomington, Ind. -- It was announced today that four former Indiana University football players will join National Football League teams as free agents. Wide receiver Jerry Dorsey (Hopkinsville, Ky./C.C. of San Francisco) is slated to join the Seattle Seahawks, wide receiver Versie Gaddis (Atlanta, Ga./Frederick Douglass) has agreed to contract terms with the Detroit Lions, fullback De'Wayne Hogan (Indianapolis/Ben Davis) has signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts, and defensive tackle Paul Mandina (Rochester, N.Y./Webster) has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers.
A team captain in 2000, Mandina finished his senior season with 40 tackles, including three for loss, four pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. During his career, he played in 38 games (24 starts) and recorded 100 tackles, including 11.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Mandina, who was not at all disappointed that he was not drafted because he could better select what team fit his abilities, told the Bloomington Herald-Times, "The 49ers didn't draft any D-linemen but ends, and wanted me to play inside. They were one of the top two teams I really wanted to go to, looking at depth or what they might bring in, along with Philadelphia. San Francisco ended up calling first."
Said Hogan, who signed with his hometown Indianapolis Colts, "I kind of expected not to get drafted, anyway, so I was concentrating on the free agent aspect. I had the Eagles (in mind), and the Dolphins called today hoping to pick me up, but I felt the Colts were the best choice. Honestly, I feel I can help them out and be a big factor. Just a matter of me getting in there and getting the job done. It's a big opportunity to make a name for myself. The Colts had spoken with coach (Cam Cameron of IU) and wanted to either pick me up late in the sixth or seventh round or, if not then, sign me to a free agent contract. They called me right before the draft was over."
Hogan played extremely well in 2000 as he helped the IU offense average 30.6 points per contest and 439.5 yards per game, including 266.7 yards per game rushing. He finished the 2000 campaign with 313 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on only 55 carries. For his career, Hogan rushed 268 times for 1,115 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Indiana's two starting wide receivers in 2000 also signed with NFL teams. Gaddis completed his career with 75 catches for 1,187 yards and 6 touchdowns. He served as a team co-captain in 2000. Despite only playing two seasons at IU, Dorsey finished his career with 58 catches for 1,116 yards and 9 touchdowns.
"The New York Giants called at the last minute, about five minutes after the draft, and Green Bay called up right after that," said Dorsey. "But I still thought Seattle was a better choice for me. They drafted two wideouts, but I think they have an obvious need there and I feel I can match up."
