FSU'S MEDLIN SIGNS FREE AGENT DEAL WITH NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

FSU'S MEDLIN SIGNS FREE AGENT DEAL WITH NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Broncos' top rusher in 2010 nets undrafted free agent deal Wednesday

August 3, 2011

FOXBOROUGH, MA -- Former Fayetteville State running back Richard Medlin has been signed as an undrafted free agent by the New England Patriots.

Medlin, the 2008 CIAA Special Teams Player of the Year and the 2011 Fayetteville State Male Athlete of the Year, has been given the jersey no. 37, ESPN.com reported on Wednesday night.

Medlin was a constant for the Broncos during his career. A dynamic kickoff and punt returner, Medlin was the Broncos' leading kick returner in 2010 while being the featured back in the offense. In 2008, Medlin was brilliant, returning three kicks for touchdowns and amassing 500 yards on 12 kick returns for an incredible average of 41.7 yards per return. Medlin's long return that season was for 89 yards.

But Medlin was capable and durable runner as well. He led the Broncos in rushing in 2010 with 772 yards on a 5.4 average per carry, scoring five touchdowns. He was also second on the team in total receptions, most of them coming out of the backfield, with 26.

Medlin was a key cog in a Broncos' offense that helped Fayetteville State earn its third CIAA championship in 2009. Medlin rushed for 667 yards and a team-high 10 touchdowns.

Medlin was unavailable for comment on Wednesday night. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The signing comes on the same day the Patriots resigned back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who in 2010 formed a talented tandem with another undrafted Division-II free agent signee, Danny Woodhead. The Patriots also drafted two running backs in the first three rounds in April. Veterans Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk are also in Patriots camp.