ATLANTA -- Three former Georgia State football players are on National Football League rosters as the 2016 opens this weekend.
The newest Panthers in the NFL is Wil Lutz, Georgia State's placekicker the last four years and career scoring leader who is now with the New Orleans Saints.
Lutz, from Newnan, Ga., and Northgate High School, originally signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. After signing their incumbent, Justin Tucker, to a contract extension, the Ravens cut Lutz in training camp, but head coach John Harbaugh recommended him to Saints head coach Sean Payton. After an impressive workout, Lutz was signed to the Saints' 53-man roster, and he is expected to make his debut Sunday vs. the Oakland Raiders.
Albert Wilson, the Panthers' career receiving leader who starred from 2010-13, enters his third season with the Kansas City Chiefs, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Last season, the Port St. Lucie, Fla., native had 35 receptions for 451 yards with two touchdowns. The Chiefs open at home vs. the San Diego Chargers.
Another member of Georgia State's inaugural team from 2010, offensive lineman Ulrick John enters his third NFL season as a member of the Miami Dolphins' practice squad. John was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round in 2014 but was injured in the preseason. The Dolphins signed John (Hinesville, Ga./Bradwell Institute) from the Colts' practice squad in 2015, and he played in two games for Miami late last season.
Georgia State is in just its seventh season of football, and already three former Panthers (Wilson, John and Christo Bilukidi) have played in an NFL regular season game, with Lutz on track to become the fourth. Several other GSU alumni have been in NFL camps.
