MISSOULA — Former Montana linebacker Brock Coyle signed with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Saturday and three Grizzlies linemen also joined NFL teams as undrafted free agents.
Danny Kistler signed with the Oakland Raiders, Kjelby Oiland with the Houston Texans, and William Poehls with the Tennessee Titans.
Earlier, Montana linebacker Jordan Tripp was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round with the 171st overall pick.
“Thank you Lord,” Tripp tweeted. “Truly blessed. … Thank you to the Miami staff and organization for this opportunity!”
The 6-foot-3, 234-pound Tripp is from Missoula. He was a four-year starter for the Grizzlies, finished fourth in school history with 335 career tackles and holds the school record with 10 fumble recoveries.
The 6-2 Coyle, from Bozeman, finished his career ranked 11th in Montana history with 293 tackles and played in 52 career games.
“This whole experience is just crazy,” Coyle said. “I’m so excited to be on the Seahawks, and go to Seattle to work hard and prove to the organization that I’m a great player.
“They’re just obviously an amazing defense. They play very hard, and I really like their linebacker coach, Ken Norton Jr. When I was on my visit there, I really liked Ken, their defensive coordinator, their GM — everybody. They really took the time to talk to me when I was there.”
Poehls, from Chandler, Arizona, is a 6-8, 340-pound guard.
“It was stressful and exciting at the same time,” Poehls said. “Once I signed with the Titans it was a huge relief to know where I’m going. I can’t wait to get back to football and see what God has planned for me on my path in the NFL.”
Kistler, from Seattle, is a 6-8, 315-pound offensive tackle. He played in the East-West Shrine game.
“I think excited is an understatement at this point,” Kistler said. “I’m truly blessed to be with a storied franchise like the Oakland Raiders. It’s an unbelievable thing.”
“Once the draft ended, obviously, I was disappointed at first. But the calls came in so quickly, that I couldn’t be upset. I’m blessed to be able to go to learn from (offensive line coach) Tony Sparano. He’s one of the best, if not the best.”
Oiland, from Spokane, Washington, was a three-year starter at Montana, playing center his final two seasons. He transferred from UNLV after his freshman year.