Seven draft rounds and 256 selections later, Prince Kwateng has finally found work in pro football.
Overlooked in this year's NFL draft, the Munster grad and former Northwestern standout has signed with San Francisco of the fledgling four-team United Football League.
Kwateng's agent, Chicago-based R. Scott Rochelle, said it's a matter of time before the linebacker is playing in the NFL.
"I feel really blessed that I was able to get into this league during its inaugural season and have a chance to show them how well I can play against professional athletes and NFL-type players," Kwateng said. "They want me to play strong side linebacker, which is nothing new to me. I'm going to be rushing the passer on the line of scrimmage (and) using my athletic ability to make a lot of plays."
That aspect of Kwateng's college game was missing -- he was NU's second-leading tackler last season but had no interceptions -- and believes that had a lot to do with his draft snub.
"Making more game-changing plays is what gets people noticed," Kwateng said.
"Prince made a lot of strides in his final season at Northwestern, but you can't force a team to take him," Rochelle added. "We did talk to a number of (NFL) teams about Prince and fortunately, he's in a position now where those teams can have a look at him.
"And if they want to commit, they'll have another opportunity."
San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York and Orlando comprise the UFL, with talk of future expansion including a team from Chicago as well.
"I wouldn't say (the UFL) is a developmental league," Kwateng said. "I think this league is more of a complement to the NFL. It's an opportunity for players who might be overlooked by the NFL or who got cut late. They'll be scouting us and a lot of the guys have already been in the NFL."
The new league has a definite NFL flavor. UFL hires Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Ted Cottrell and Jim Haslett have all been head coaches. Commissioner Michael Huyghue has 20 years of NFL management experience.
Among players Kwateng will be going up against are Orlando safety Mike Doss (Colts, Vikings, Bengals); Las Vegas strong safety Adam Archuleta (Rams, Skins, Bears, Raiders); New York quarterback Ken Dorsey (Browns) and Las Vegas quarterback J.P. Losman (Bills).
Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick, banished for his involvement in a national dog-fighting ring, is rumored to be considering the UFL.
Training camp begins next month in Casa Grande, Ariz. The regular season runs from October through November and will consist of each team playing six games. Salaries were not disclosed but it's been reported the UFL's base player salary is $35,000, with the bigger names earning considerably more.
"We really feel Prince is worthy of playing on Sundays and that's why we picked him up," Rochelle said. "Prince's opportunity will come because he's going to improve."
PRO FOOTBALL
United Football League
Season: First
Teams in 2009: San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando
Roster size: 53
Head coaches: Dennis Green (San Francisco), Jim Fassel (Las Vegas), Ted Cottrell (New York), Jim Haslett (Orlando)
Regular season: Runs from October through November. Each team plays six games with Hartford, Los Angeles and Sacramento also being used as game sites. Games are played Thursday and Friday nights.
Playoffs: Consist of two games. UFL Championship scheduled for Thanksgiving Day in Las Vegas.
More inside
Al Hamnik notes that Prince Kwateng is not your everyday football player. PAGE B2
