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Iowa State University Athletics
Four Cyclones Sign as NFL Free Agents
07.28.2011 | Football
AMES, Iowa - The National Football League's free agent frenzy is in full force. Four Iowa State football players can breathe a sigh of relief. Former Cyclone running back Alexander Robinson, offensive lineman Ben Lamaak, tight end Collin Franklin and defensive back David Sims are now rookie free agents in the NFL.
Robinson became the newest addition to the Minnesota Vikings' free agent list Wednesday. Lamaak has signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders. Franklin signed with the New York Jets and Sims inked with the New York Giants.
For Robinson, signing with the Vikings has fulfilled a lifelong dream and he described receiving the call from his agent has a "surreal" one. The Minneapolis, Minn. native was in complete shock when he found out he'll have a chance to play close to home.
"It's great for me because I have this support system here in Minnesota," Robinson said. "With most of my family being around it's great to be in a familiar environment."
The rookies will report to Mankato, Minn. for training camp Sunday, with the first Vikings' practice set for Monday.
"This is definitely a blessing," Robinson said. "I'm really fortunate to be here. I know a lot of guys who have made it this far and a lot of guys whose dream is just to be here, in this position."
As a Cyclone, Robinson became just the fifth Iowa State running back to post more than 3,000 yards in a career. Robinson's 27 career rushing touchdowns tie for sixth in school history and his 3,309 career rushing yards ranks fourth in Iowa State history.
A member of the All-Big 12 second team, Lamaak played and started at center in 11 games for Iowa State in 2010. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native was a leader in the offensive line, starting every game at left tackle his junior season.
"I really want to thank the Raiders for the opportunity," Lamaak said. "It's a dream come true and something I have dreamed of as a kid."
Franklin, a Simi Valley, Calif. native, decided to go with the Jets after talking with tight end coach Mike Devlin on Monday afternoon. Franklin led Iowa State in receptions last season with 54, while recording 530 yards and three touchdowns.
"I'm so grateful to have an opportunity to play for this first class organization," Franklin said. "I just hope I can adapt quickly and find a way to contribute to the success of the team."
Sims begins camp with the Giants on Friday, as all players report for meetings, physicals and conditioning. The first practice for the Gainesville, Fla. native begins on Saturday at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, N.J. Sims made 96 tackles and forced three fumbles as a senior, and was named the 2009 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
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