FORMER RAMS IN THE NEWS

Kieft Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals
April 24, 2005
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The dream is alive and well for Central Michigan University lineman Adam Kieft, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2005 National Football League Draft on Sunday.

Kieft, an offensive tackle from Rockford, Mich., went in the 5th round as the 153rd overall selection.

The connection between CMU and Cincinnati runs deep. Bengals assistant head coach/offensive line coach Paul Alexander was a CMU assistant coach from 1987-91, while CMU's last two NFL linemen, Rehberg and Brock Gutierrez, both spent time with the Bengals during their career. CMU football head coach Brian Kelly is excited for his former players and how deserving they are for the opportunity to play in the NFL.

" Coming into last season, we didn't know if either Adam or Eric would be draft picks but they have really developed a lot over the past year," Kelly said. " Jeff Quinn , our offensive line coach, did a great job in getting them ready to play at the next level.
" Everyone knows that we are going to develop our players to reach their full potential. What Adam and Eric have done shows that when a player comes to CMU, the dream to play in the NFL stays alive.

Joe Staley

Outstanding offensive lineman blessed with tremendous speed ... ran a 4.72 40 in the spring ... will move to the starting role at left tackle this season ... moved from tight end to right tackle prior to 2004 season.

COLLEGE
2004: Started all 11 games at right tackle.
2003: Played in 11 games as a true freshman, snaring 11 passes for 130 yards and one TD ... posted a career-high two catches for 34 yards and a touchdown against Eastern Michigan.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned two letters in football and two in track at Rockford High ... caught 24 passes for 559 yards and seven TDs as a prep senior ... Grand Rapids Press Dream Team member ... ranked No. 13 overall prospect by the Detroit Free Press and No. 49 by the Detroit News ... set three school records in track in 200m (21.9), 4x100 (42.5), and 4x200 (1:27) ... placed sixth in state in 200m to earn all-state honors ... team was fourth in 4x100m, fourth in 4x200m, and sixth in 4x400m.

Tackle Joe Staley , Soph. - Adam Kieft was one of the line's top blockers for four years and won't be easily replaced. The 6-5, 283-pound Staley will give it a shot. He's a good athlete using his skills as a former tight end to handle the job on the left side after starting last year on the right

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