ATLANTA – When the Washington Redskins open training camp July 25 in Richmond, Va., one of the players trying to earn a roster spot -- and possibly catch some passes from a certain quarterback with the initials RG III – will be former Georgia State tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in April, Ogbuehi participated in rookie camp and then mini-camp with the team. The next step begins when he reports for preseason training camp. Before heading north, the Buford native was training in Atlanta for a few weeks, and he took time to stop by his alma mater and visit with GSU play-by-play voice Dave Cohen. Click the video icon above to watch the interview.
As training camps open around the league, Ogbuehi is one of four former Panthers pursuing their NFL dreams. In 2012, defensive lineman Christo Bilukidi became Georgia State's first draft pick when he was selected in the sixth round by the Oakland Raiders. He went on to make the team and earn playing time for the Raiders and now returns for his second season.
Also looking to earn roster spots as undrafted free agents are 2011 senior linebacker Jake Muasau with the New York Giants and 2012 senior running back Donald Russell with the Atlanta Falcons.
Regardless of whether or not he makes the Redskins' roster, Ogbuehi is one of the unique success stories of the early days of Georgia State football.
After his prep career at Mill Creek High School, Ogbuehi enrolled at Georgia State in the fall of 2008 to pursue his degree in chemistry, with the goal of becoming a pharmacist. But a funny thing happened along the way.
He participated in a tryout for GSU's new football program in the spring of 2009. With his size and skills, he impressed the coaches and was invited to be among the first group of 71 players that practiced as a team in the fall of 2009.
Not only did he earn a scholarship, but he caught the first touchdown pass in Georgia State history with a four-yard reception in the inaugural game against Shorter on Sept. 2, 2010. He went on to have an outstanding three-year career (2010-12), finishing with 47 receptions for 581 yards (12.4 yards per catch) and four touchdowns. He ranks third in Georgia State history in career receiving yards and fourth in receptions.
There may be bigger, faster or stronger players in camp, but Ogbuehi is probably the only Redskins hopeful with a degree in chemistry, which he earned in May.
