While 253 players had their names called at this year's NFL Draft, their off the field stories may not be as interesting as that of an undrafted USF football player who signed a free agent contract with his hometown team.
Gilbert "Chaz" Hine, who played at Newsome High before coming to USF, inked a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. The center told the Tampa Bay Times that being able to continue to play football in his home county is "pretty awesome."
Hine was profiled on WUSF's University Beat in 2011 when he won the USF College of Business' "25 Under 25" award as the most outstanding young business student. Hine, who had a 3.74 GPA as an honors Management student, was one of 16 recipients of a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award, which is given to students who succeed both on the field and in the classroom.
In addition, Ward is an accomplished opera singer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqchLWRTXq0
Hine and fellow Bull, cornerback Quenton Washington, who also signed with the Bucs, will report for rookie minicamp starting Friday.
