Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 23, 1995 TAG: 9507240077
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FROSTBURG, MD. LENGTH: Medium
When the former Virginia linebacker signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins in the off-season, the NFL club needed help at that position.
The problem for Killian is the 'Skins kept signing linebackers, many with significant NFL experience and success. So, Killian finds himself in training camp at Frostburg State University, likely fighting for the last available linebacker spot.
``Basically, I think my chances of making the team are 50-50,'' Killian said after the Redskins' first day of camp. ``I'm going to have to really hustle and make plays when I get a chance.
``It will probably come down to special teams and who's best there. I've just got to get my foot in the door and keep it there.''
When Killian agreed to a deal with Washington, the only new linebacker already signed was Buffalo free-agent Marvcus Patton, who fit into the starting lineup with Pro Bowl performer Ken Harvey.
However, the Redskins kept shopping. In quick order, they signed Seattle's Rod Stephens to start at middle linebacker, and soon added Matt Vanderbeek, Darrick Brownlow and Erick Anderson. Each has four or more years of NFL experience.
Killian said he still is paying for his senior season at UVa, when he played in only four games because of an injured left knee.
``I kept trying to come back and play, and I did it too soon,'' said Killian, 24. ``I wasn't close to 100 percent when I did play, but being hurt was painful for me mentally, too. I didn't know how to handle it, because I'd never gotten as much as a scratch in football before.''
The 240-pound Pittsburgh native likely would have been a low-round choice in the 1994 draft. Instead, he signed a free-agent deal with Cleveland, and after being one of the Browns' late cuts, spent the entire season on the practice squad.
``I thought about going back to Cleveland because I liked it and they were good to me,'' Killian said. ``But at the time, Washington really needed linebackers.
``There also was something else there. When you're at Virginia, the Redskins are the team you hear about. I also have quite a few friends living in the Washington area.''
Killian also had offers from Buffalo and Miami. At best, he is the seventh linebacker on the Redskins' roster, and he is listed as the third-string middle linebacker on the depth chart.
The Redskins will keep at least six linebackers, and Killian's hopes are buoyed because Cleveland, which plays a 4-3 set like Washington, kept seven linebackers on its active roster last season.
``If I don't make it here, and right now I don't want to think about that, hopefully another club will pick me up,'' Killian said. ``If it doesn't happen, then I guess it will be time to put my UVa [psychology] degree to use.''
If Killian sticks, he will become only the fifth UVa alumnus to play for the NFL team that is two hours up the road from the Charlottesville campus.
The last was linebacker Stuart Anderson (1982-85). Pro Football Hall of Fame running back ``Bullet'' Bill Dudley started that list (1950-51, '53), which also includes halfback John Papit ('51-53) and center Dan Ryczek (1973-75).
by CNB