After completing his studies at West Point, Pine-Richland graduate Connor Slomka has put his military obligation on hold to play in the NFL.
Slomka, 22, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in April.
Slomka, a 6-foot, 240-pound fullback, finished second for Army last season with 658 rushing yards on 149 carries. He scored eight touchdowns.
He finished his career with 1,208 yards on 274 carries in 38 games.
Slomka was one of three Black Knights to sign as a free agent after the secretary of defense endorsed a policy in November making it possible for athletes who have graduated from a military service academy to pursue employment as professional sports athletes following graduation.
Once approved, they will be allowed to delay their commissioning and service obligation.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Slomka, who studied organizational psychology, is not sure when he will report to the Jaguars. The team had a 6-10 record last season, last in the AFC South.
He returned home and is working out with the help of two trainers.
“I want to be a contributor,” he said.
Slomka was among top college senior players invited to the College Gridiron Showcase & Symposium in January in Forth Worth, Texas. The event showcased players through practices and a controlled scrimmage with professional coaches.
Slomka, who rushed for 1,500-plus yards and helped Pine-Richland win the WPIAL Class AAAA title in 2014, said the showcase helped a ton.
“(It) helped me get exposure,” he said.
Slomka will join former Pine-Richland teammate Ben DiNucci in the NFL. DiNucci, a James Madison quarterback, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round.
“Connor has worked tremendously hard for this opportunity,” Rams coach Eric Kasperowicz said. “He has the entire Pine-Richland community supporting him.”
