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University of Minnesota Athletics
Three Former Gophers Sign NFL Contracts
5/11/2012 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 11, 2012
The Green Bay Packers officially announced the signing of former University of Minnesota running back Duane Bennett and tight end Eric Lair Friday. The Minnesota Vikings have also confirmed the signing of former Gopher defensive lineman Anthony Jacobs.
Bennett started all 12 games for the Gophers in 2011 and led the team with 639 rushing yards and three TDs on 166 carries (3.8 avg.). He finished his career with 2,126 rushing yards, good for No. 13 all-time in school history. In 2007, he earned Freshman All-Big Ten honors from Sporting News as he posted 370 yards rushing in conference play, No. 2 among Big Ten freshmen.
Lair was a four-year letterman for the Gophers, appearing in all 12 games with three starts as a senior. He caught 11 passes for 168 yards (15.3 avg.) and a TD in 2011. As a junior, Lair played in 12 games with 11 starts and hauled in 39 passes for 526 yards (13.5 avg.) and two TDs. He finished his career with 51 receptions for 706 yards (13.8 avg.) and three scores.
Jacobs was a four-year letterman for Minnesota. He started all 12 games during his senior season with the Gophers, registering 26 tackles (13 solo and 13 assists). He recorded six tackles-for-loss and one sack during his senior campaign. Jacobs also tallied one sack and forced one fumble last season. He recorded 41 tackles, with 6.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks during his junior season.
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