April 27, 2008

Staten Island, NY - Two of the greatest and most decorated football players in Wagner College history, kicker/punter Piotr Czech (Keyport, NJ/ Keyport) and cornerback/return specialist Al Phillips (Hialeah, FL/ American), have signed NFL free agent contracts with the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets, respectively.

Piotr Czech

Czech, an American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American, possessed the strongest leg of any placekicker to ever compete in the Northeast Conference during its 12-year football history. The 6-foot-5 inch Czech converted on field goal attempts of 56 and 50 yards this season. The 56-yarder, which came against Saint Francis (PA) at windy Wagner College Stadium, is the longest in league and Wagner history.

With two successful tries from 54 yards out during the 2006 season, Czech now owns the three longest field goals ever converted in the NEC. His accuracy was also second to none as evidenced by his 84.2 percent (16-19) field goal success rate. Czech's strong leg was also a major weapon on kick-offs. In addition, his 40.2 yards per punt average was third-best in the league and his net average of 36.68 yards was the conference's best mark and the nation's seventh-highest average. He dropped 26 of his 64 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.

"During the final round of the draft, I started receiving calls from various teams," said Czech. "The Ravens were the team that showed the most interest. Their special teams coach, Jerry Rosburg, called me and indicated that he was excited to have me come down and show what I can do.

"They have a veteran kicker in Matt Stover who has been in the league a long time," Czech added. "So, they wanted to bring in a young guy to compete with him. I am grateful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to going down there and doing my best."

Al Phillips

A three-time All-NEC selection, Phillips finished atop the conference in passes defended (18) and interceptions (7). The conference's top cover corner ranked among the nation's top-five in both categories as well. Phillips' 17 career picks rank first all-time in NEC history and third all-time in Wagner history.

The 6-1, 195-pound Phillips returned both kickoffs and punts for the Seahawks and was equally as dangerous in both roles. His kickoff return average (27.6 ypr) was tops amongst NEC players and his punt return average (11.2 ypr) ranked second.

Shortly after the draft concluded, Phillips received a call from Jets' secondary coach Jerome Henderson.

"He indicated that I would have a good chance to make the team and that they are definitely interested in me as both a special teams players and as a cornerback," said Phillips. "I am excited about competing for a spot on an NFL team. It's a great opportunity and I intend to show them what I can do."

In the coming weeks, both Czech and Phillips will compete in their respective team's rookie camps, alongside all of the team's drafted players and other free agent signees.

"I am excited for both Piotr and Al and wish them the best," said Wagner head coach Walt Hameline. "They are truly among the finest players I have ever had the chance to coach and it is great that their talent and hard work are paying off for them in this way. It's also a real feather in our cap here at Wagner. I know I speak for the entire Wagner community in relating just how proud I am of both of them."