University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Dokes Signs Deal With CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders
5/21/2007 8:00:00 AM | Football
All-America defensive back Dre Dokes is the latest University of Northern Iowa football player to sign a professional contract. Dokes inked a free agent deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.
Dokes led the nation with seven interceptions and ranked second among active Football Championship Subdivision (FCS - formerly I-AA) players with 18 career interceptions. He returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown at Iowa State. Dokes tallied two picks at Drake and two more at Youngstown State. He secured a season-high seven tackles at Youngstown State. Dokes earned All-America honors from the College Sporting News, Associated Press, Sports Network, Walter Camp, and the American Football Coaches Association.
"Dre is a smooth, athletic, instinctive corner," said Saskatchewan Genral Manager Eric Tillman. "Frankly, if he were two inches taller, Dre would have been drafted in the NFL. In our league, where we worry less about size, and place a premium on cover skills, Dre is a good fit. He, also, has excellent speed (4.4) and still holds his high school's 100 meter record back in Springfield, Missouri."
Dokes is the third member of this past year's UNI football squad to have the opportunity to further his playing career. Placekicker Brian Wingert was invited to work out with the New York Jets and offensive tackle Joe Lobdell signed a free agent deal with the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.
Current Panthers in the Pros
• Dre Dokes - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
• Derrick Frost - Washington Redskins
• Mike Furrey - Detroit Lions
• MacKenzie Hoambrecker - San Francisco 49ers
• Joe Lobdell - Indianapolis Colts
• Brad Meester - Jacksonville Jaguars
• Justin Sandy - Cleveland Browns
• Benny Sapp - Kansas City Chiefs
• Chad Setterstrom - New Orleans VooDoo (Arena Football League)
• Justin Surrency - Minnesota Vikings, Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europa)
• Andy Thorn - Dallas Cowboys
• Kurt Warner - Arizona Cardinals