Three Ball State University football players who made their presence felt during their careers with the Cardinals have been trying to do the same at the next level — the NFL.
Dante Ridgeway, Reggie Hodges and Justin Beriault have been busy this summer trying to hang onto NFL roster spots to fulfill their professional aspirations.
All three were taken in the sixth round of the 2005 draft, Ridgeway and Hodges by the St. Louis Rams and Beriault by the Dallas Cowboys.
“I’m excited for those guys,” Ball State head football coach Brady Hoke said. “No. 1, they’re wonderful people. They’re guys who have a lot of character, and they’re guys who’ve worked their tails off to get where they’re at.”
Of the three, Hodges has appeared during training camp to be in the best shape to appear on an opening-day roster. Kevin Stemke’s release from the Rams on May 6 left Hodges to be the only punter, and he remains the lone punter on the roster. The Rams have said they like Hodges’ mental toughness and his leg strength. However, he’s struggled in practice, and the Rams are considering bringing in another punter for competition.
He punted six times for a 39.8 average, and he punted inside the 20-yard line three times in the Ram's first preseason game.
Beriault has turned heads during the Cowboys training camp with his physical play, forcing head coach Bill Parcells to make a decision on how to use him. As a free safety, he sits behind Roy Williams on the depth chart. Williams has been a Pro Bowl player the past two seasons and is considered one of the best safeties in the NFC. Parcells has considered moving Beriault to strong safety, where he’d be given the opportunity to compete for the starting spot.
In the Cowboys' first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Beriault's interception was the lone one picked by the Cowboys.
“I’ve talked to all three,” Hoke said. “I know they’re excited about the opportunity. The only advice I gave them is be who you are and work as hard as you can. Hard work will pay off in the end. I think they’re all doing that."
Oddly enough, Ridgeway, who garnered the most rewards and attention last fall as a Cardinal, is expected to have the toughest road to the NFL. A finalist last season for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given each year to the nation’s top collegiate wide receiver, Ridgeway will have to battle his way onto the roster. St. Louis has become known for its wide receivers—including Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, each with four Pro Bowl appearances. Ridgeway will have to fight for one of the final receiver spots.
Listed on the depth chart on the third team, along with five other wide receivers, he caught one pass for 19 yards in his first pre-season game against the Chicago Bears. Although he’ll fight for the final opening, Ridgeway could also make the special teams unit.
As a junior, he became the first early entry in the NFL Draft in Ball State history. His many accomplishments during his three-year career with the Cardinals include being named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America Second Team and to The Associated Press All-America Second Team in 2004. His selection to the AP All-America Team was the first time since 1995 that a Ball State player was chosen, placing Ridgeway in the tradition of punter Brad Maynard, who is now with the Chicago Bears.
Hodges also left his mark on Ball State’s punting record books during his three-year career. He left with the most career punts (254), second most in career punt yards (10,210) and in punt yards in one season, for a finish of 3,109 yards last season.
“I think all three have a chance to play in that league for multiple years because of their God-given abilities, but also how they approach the game of football," Hoke said.
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