Two Lindenwood football players signed free agent NFL contracts at the conclusion of the 2010 NFL Draft. Wide receiver
Marcel Thompson signed with the San Diego Chargers and wide receiver
Roren Thomas inked with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Thompson transferred to Lindenwood as a junior. In two seasons, he caught 83 receptions for 1,342 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season, he was second on the team with 53 receptions and 844 receiving yards, and was third with seven receiving touchdowns. Thompson had three 100-yard receiving games in 2009, including 106 in Lindenwood’s semifinal victory over Carroll. The game-winning drive in that Carroll game was sparked by a 49-yard reception by Thompson.
Thomas played one year for the Lions. He caught 37 passes for 409 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 236 yards and three scores. He was also a special teams returner, averaging 22.3 yards on kickoff returns, 18.5 yards on punt returns, and scoring three return touchdowns. All eight of his touchdowns were over 25 yards and he had 12 plays on the season of 25 yards or greater.
Thompson and Thomas helped Lindenwood to its best season in school history last year as the Lions went 13-1 and advanced to the NAIA National Championship game. The pair helped Lindenwood averaged 53.1 points a game and have nearly 500 yards of offense a contest.
The two receivers, who both earned all-conference honors last season, are the fourth and fifth Lions to sign NFL contracts under head coach Patrick Ross. Two of the three previous players have seen action in NFL games. Running back DeDe Dorsey, who is currently with the Detroit Lions, has played in 29 games and won a Super Bowl ring with Indianapolis. Defensive end Brian Schaefering, who is currently with the Cleveland Browns, played in five games last year, including one start.