A trio of Snohomish County products are reportedly getting their shot at the NFL.
Edmonds-Woodway High School graduate Ali Gaye and Jackson High School graduate Daniel Arias signed as undrafted free agents with NFL teams, while Snohomish High School graduate Josh Johnston received an invitation to a rookie minicamp, according to reports.
Gaye, a defensive end who completed his eligibility at LSU, signed with the Houston Texans. The 6-foot-6, 263-pound Gaye attended the NFL scouting combine and was considered one of the top players who wasn’t selected during last week’s NFL draft. Gaye had 87 tackles — 18 for loss — and seven sacks over the course of three seasons at LSU.
Arias, a receiver out of Colorado, signed with the Arizona Cardinals. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder had 48 receptions for 750 yards and four touchdowns over five seasons with the Buffaloes.
Johnston, a receiver from Colorado School of Mines, was invited to camp by the Denver Broncos. Johnston, who’s 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, is coming off a season in which he caught 77 passes for 1,373 yards and 13 TDs in helping the Orediggers reach the NCAA Division II national championship game.
NFL rookie minicamps take place this weekend.
Uderitz becomes second local to make Sounders debut
Snohomish High School graduate Hal Uderitz became the second Snohomish County native to make his debut with Seattle Sounders FC this season.
Uderitz, a defender for the Sounders’ reserve team, the Tacoma Defiance, was signed to a short-term contract in order to be eligible for Seattle’s U.S. Open Cup game against San Diego Loyal FC last Wednesday in Tukwila. Uderitz came on as a substitute in the 87th minute, then played the entire 30 minutes of overtime as Seattle prevailed 5-4.
Uderitz joined Sota Kitahara, an Edmonds-Woodway High School graduate, as locals to debut for the Sounders this season. Kitahara, a midfielder who made his MLS debut as a substitute during the Sounders’ 4-1 victory at Sporting Kansas City on March 25, made his first Sounders start in last Wednesday’s game and played the full 120 minutes.
Brajcich claims Champions of Champions title
Jackson High School graduate Jordan Brajcich won the men’s title at the Washington Champions of Champions golf tournament held last Thursday and Friday at The Home Course in DuPont.
Brajcich, who qualified for the tournament by winning the 2022 Kitsap County Amateur, shot back-to-back rounds of 69 to finish at 6-under, edging Tacoma’s Mitch Baldridge by a single stroke. It was Brajcich’s first Washington Golf title.
Everett High School graduate Jacob Koppenberg and Lynnwood resident Dalton Dean each finished at 2-under to tie for fifth.
Tow money added for Summer Showdown
Evergreen Speedway is making it easier for competitors who want to participate in Summer Showdown, the track’s premier race.
To combat the high price of fuel, the Monroe racetrack is providing tow money for teams coming from distance to Summer Showdown, which takes place July 21-22. Eligible Super Late Model and Pro Late Model teams will receive $500 when coming from beyond a 450-mile radius and $250 when coming from beyond a 250-mile radius.
Snohomish School District offering sports physicals
The Snohomish School District is offering sports physicals for the 2023-24 school year on June 6. Students who will be in grades 7-12 next school year are eligible. The physicals take place 4-7 p.m. at the Snohomish High School auxiliary gymnasium, and the fee is $25. To make an appointment, contact Sara Larson at sara.larson@sno.wednet.edu or 360-563-4087.
If you have an item for the community sports roundup, email Nick Patterson at npatterson@heraldnet.com.
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