East Cobb Football Stars Sign With NFL

Four former football stars from East Cobb high schools have signed National Football League contracts.

None were selected in the seven-round NFL draft that concluded Saturday afternoon, but they quickly latched on with teams as free agents.

Former Walton High School star Chase Thomas signed with the New Orleans Saints after being a surprising omission in the draft, then updated his Twitter account: "everything happens for a reason #teamSaints #whoDatNation lets get to work"

He later Tweeted: "#whoDatNation isnt ready for the #partyinthebackfield but i am"

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Thomas was "p---ed off" about not getting drafted.

Thomas, an outside linebacker, ended his illustrious Stanford career with a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin and was an All-American as a junior.

Also not drafted by an NFL team was former Lassiter High School standout Philip Lutzenkirchen, who signed a free agent deal with the St. Louis Rams.

Lutzenkirchen, a tight end who played a key role on Auburn's 2010 national championship team, had his senior season cut short by a torn labrum and other injuries.

He also anticipated being drafted, but said on his Twitter account: "Hard to believe there were 15-plus tight ends and 255-plus players better than me, but hey, God has a plan for me."

Another former Lassiter player, N.C. State center Camden Wentz, signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings.

Sprayberry High School graduate Brynden Trawick, a defensive back who played college football at Troy University, signed with the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.