Bulls OL, Huners & Schmidt Sign FA Deals

Moments after the NFL draft was completed, USF senior offensive linemen Matt Huners and Ryan Schmidt signed undrafted free agent deals with the 49ers and the Titans. Stay informed with USFNation.com

Within minutes after the NFL draft was over, the phones started ringing and two more former Bulls got a shot at playing in the NFL. When USF offensive linemen Matt Huners and Ryan Schmidt signed undrafted free agent deals with the 493rs and the Titans.

Bull’s offensive guard Matt Huners agreed to a free agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Huners had heavy interest from Kansas City, the Buc’s, and the Ravens before choosing the 49ers.

“It was crazy, I had 4 teams all calling at once,” said Huners. “I had to have them call my agent to get it all worked out. I’m real happy the way things worked out.”

Huners (6’2/290) played in 34 games and started 27 during his USF career. Successfully returned from injury riddled 2007 season to become the Bulls most consistent lineman and earn second team All-BIG EAST. Graded out at 84% on the season with 61 total knockdown points, and had a season-high 15 knockdown points against NC State, grading out at 93%.

“They’re going to work me out at left guard, center and anywhere I could help, and want to see what I can do. Everyone’s going to get their fair shot and there’s going to be an open competition to see who the best is.”

“It’s a great feeling. Hopefully I can cling on, make that big impact and make the team.”


Offensive lineman Ryan Schmidt agreed to a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans. Also considered offers from the Browns and Jaguars before choosing the Titans.

“It feels great,” said Schmidt. “It was quite an experience and a long day.”

Schmidt (6’5/320) played in 27 games and started 26 at both left tackle and left guard for the Bulls. Was a second team All-BIG EAST selection according to Phil Steele, and graded out among the best offensive lineman on the team at 69% on the season with 63 knockdown points to rank third among USF offensive lineman. Also recorded a season-best 14 knockdown points against FIU, and had 13 knockdown points against Rutgers.

Schmidt played mostly tackle during his senior year, but will be looked at both guard and center with the Titans.

“I think I’ll do better, and I feel like I’m set up more as a guard than a tackle, my arms are not as long as most tackles, and I just set up much better on the inside and that’s where I’m most comfortable.”

Huners and Schmidt join Taurus Johnson as Bulls who signed free agent contracts and with Tyrone McKenzie who was taken by the Patriots in the third round. That makes four USF rookies entering NFL camps so far this spring. With more possibly still to come