1 week Ago
UL wide receiver Dalen Cambre, shown here running the 40-yard dash at UL's pro day, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the New York Giants. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save To no one’s surprise, reigning Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year Ben Wooldridge and All-Sun Belt linebacker K.C.
Ossai were two of the former Ragin’ Cajuns offered undrafted free agent contracts after the conclusion of the NFL draft on Saturday. But there were two other former UL players without that level of postseason hardware who also got opportunities to make NFL clubs in special teams phenom Dalen Cambre and defensive lineman Mason Narcisse. Cambre signed with the New York Giants and Narcisse with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wooldridge will be heading to the New England Patriots, while Ossai will be going back to his home state by signing with the Houston Texans. “A few teams called me before the draft actually ended, so I didn’t even watch the last few picks,” said Cambre, who was surprised how quickly the transaction with the Giants took place. “I didn’t realize how quick I had to give an answer yes or no, or how fast they were going to call you,” he said.
“It’s like it’s a game — split-second decision.” Initially it appeared Cambre was headed to the Carolina Panthers, before the Giants came through with a better offer. Cambre said he had a Zoom call with New York’s special teams assistant and former UL cornerbacks coach Jeff Burris last week.
“They gave a good impression and I guess I gave a good impression as well,” Cambre said. “I feel like I belong there. I feel like I’ll fit in with their scheme.
Really the special teams aspect of my game is how I got today.” It wasn’t until after his final season, though, that an NFL opportunity became real to Cambre. “I never really wrapped my mind about it,” he said.
“It was always kind of a hope, a dream, and just continue to work each and every day to get there. I had people telling me — I don’t think it actually hit me until after the bowl game when I was moving out of Lafayette to train and get ready for pro day. It wasn’t until then until I said, ‘Man, I really have a chance at this.
’” The former St. Thomas More standout played some wide receiver during his time with the Cajuns, but his biggest impact was always on special teams with three blocked kicks, expert holding skills and coverage teams. His pro day was huge because he was able to display his skills.
“The scouts said they have a good confidence in me running routes and catching the ball because they saw it at pro day,” Cambre said. “They were able to see me do stuff that I didn’t have a lot of and able to see me work. Really pro day is an opportunity to show how hard you’re willing to work.
” It was his hard work this past season and during the offseason that helped make the call from the Buccaneers so special for Narcisse. “I’m really excited,” he said. “I’ve worked so hard for this opportunity.
I’m just so excited.” During the draft process, the 6-foot-2, 301-pound defensive tackle got calls from Seahawks, Bills, Dolphins and Saints also, but settled on Tampa Bay. “They told me I was going to get an opportunity to showcase my talents,” Narcisse said.
“As soon as he got on the phone, he was like, ‘Hey Mason, you’re a Buc now.’ They just want me to go there and do everything I possibly can to impress them. I appreciate that, somebody giving me a chance.
” Narcisse had 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks this past season and had six total sacks in his career. “I did see this happening,” Narcisse said.
“I felt like I had a pretty good season and I worked my butt off. I just knew I was going to get a chance.” It was extra special for Narcisse’s mother.
He’s an only child and his father passed away before the 2023 season opener. “It’s a blessing,” Narcisse said. “This is what I worked for and prayed for.
All I needed was a foot in the door and I finally got that. My mom was crying. I was happy to see her see a smile on her face, because she’s been through a lot.
That put a smile on her face, so all I can do is enjoy this.” Narcisse and Cambre will both report for rookie minicamp on May 8. Surprisingly, Lou Groza Award-winning kicker Kenny Almendares hasn’t signed with a team yet.
In addition to Wooldridge and Ossai, other former UL teammates could still get rookie minicamp invitations, including AJ Gillie to Seattle and Tyrone Lewis joining Cambre with the Giants..
