Elijah Zeise was standing in line with his fellow graduates Saturday at PPG Paints Arena, getting ready to accept his diploma from the University of Pittsburgh.
Suddenly, his phone rang. It was the Los Angeles Chargers, calling to offer Zeise a free agent contract to continue his football career.
Nothing like having two of the most significant events in your life happen simultaneously.
“It’s unreal, a dream come true,” said Zeise, who started the past two seasons for Pitt at outside linebacker. “I’ve been thinking about it all week.”
Zeise, a North Allegheny graduate, is one of six former Pitt players who are headed to NFL camps, led by running back Qadree Ollison, drafted in the fifth round by the Atlanta Falcons.
The others:
• Running back Darrin Hall, who joined Ollison in rushing for more than 1,000 yards last season, agreed to stay in his home state and join the Cleveland Browns. Hall is a native of Youngstown.
• Fullback George Aston agreed to join the Denver Broncos.
• Offensive lineman Alex Bookser of Mt. Lebanon will attend the San Francisco 49ers’ minicamp, starting Thursday. He also has been invited to the Detroit Lions’minicamp May 9.
• Defensive end James Folston will sign with the Arizona Cardinals.
