Howard Smith-USATodaySports
So news came out a few days ago that the Philadelphia Eagles are signing Stony Brook offensive tackle Michael Bamiro, who was declared a free agent last week by the NFL. That’s only the beginning of this dude’s story. It’s a tad bit complicated, so I will give you the simple version. I understand the “simple” version better myself anyway (12 years of Catholic school).
The 6-foot-8, 335-pound tackle was denied a waiver from the NCAA for another year of eligibility. He was planning on playing his fourth season at the New York college this fall. The guy actually was already named a preseason All-American in that conference. Mulligan, PLEASE … But the NCAA declared him ineligible. Why? Thanks for asking. He was ineligible because he attended the University of Pittsburgh in 2008, though he never played a down there. Then he transferred to Stony Brook in 2009 and redshirted his first year their. Still with me? Bamiro finally played his last three seasons there and won All Big South honors last year. That is confusing. I could’ve sworn that he should have had one more year. Whatever…
So the Eagles have signed the massive offense tackle to a two-year deal. Reuben Frank of CSN Philly is reporting that the Eagles guaranteed $140,000 of Michael Bamiro’s base salary of $405,000 in 2013, also $107,100 in 2014. Scouts say that if Bamiro entered this years draft he could’ve been drafted in the third round. You know who is a big fan of Bamiro? Our good old friend former All-Pro tackle Tra Thomas. Thomas actually is training Bamiro. Thomas on Bamiro:
”Extremely flexible, can get low, smart, coachable. Huge arms and hands.”
Here’s hoping he works out like Tra did.
Quick story on Tra Thomas. I use to be a ball boy for the Eagles. This one-time right in the middle of mini-camp, he just turned around and relieved himself in a middle of a drill. When you gotta go, you gotta go. Some coaches were none to happy. The good old days … True Story …
Joseph Hickman is a Philadelphia Eagles writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @phillytugger, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
