By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Five former Redbirds found new homes during the final day of the NFL Draft.
Offensive lineman Cameron Lee signed with the New Orleans Saints at the conclusion of the draft Saturday, fellow lineman Mark Spelman was invited to the Chicago Bears rookie mini-camp, former ISU and University of Illinois linebacker B.J. Bello is headed to the Cleveland Browns and wide receiver Anthony Warrum was invited to the Dallas Cowboys rookie camp.
Former ISU tight end James O’Shaughnessy was traded Saturday from the Kansas City Chiefs to the New England Patriots.
Lee went from a college walk-on from the small eastern Illinois town of Oakwood to reaching to pro football’s doorstep.
PODCAST: Listen to WJBC’s interview with Lee.
” I see this is the biggest challenge I had ever faced, even bigger than the challenge of walking on at Illinois State,” Lee said. “I’ve award risen to the challenge. I love challenges.”
Lee explained not being drafted gave him the flexibility of seeking the best opportunity for himself.
“Having the ability to do that is big and could contribute to my ability to make a roster down the road,” Lee said.
Lee credits his college coach Brock Spack for helping him to believe that he had NFL potential.
“He was one of the first people to say that to me and that was instrumental in building the confidence and taking the steps to get to this point,” Lee said.
Spelman, a native of Brookfield, Wisc., anchored the Redbirds’ offensive line while earning third-team All-American honors.
O’Shaughnessy was traded in exchange for a two late-round draft picks. He caught eight passes for 86 yards in two seasons for the Chiefs.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
