TOLEDO - Three former University of Toledo football players signed free agent contracts with NFL teams on Saturday. In addition, four other Rockets will be headed to rookie mini-camps on a tryout-basis.

Center Ruben Carter (Miami, FL) signed with his hometown Miami Dolphins. Carter, a transfer from Florida State, played one season for the Rockets, starting all 12 games at center. He was part of an offensive line that allowed just five sacks all season and powered an offense that 35 points and 460 yards of offense per game.

"I'm very honored and excited to be a part of my hometown team," said Carter, who got the call from his agent about 30 minutes after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. "They were scouting me all along, and took a lot of time with me during my workout. They went over film of games from last year with me. I am excited for a chance to come in and compete."

Wide receiver Alonzo Russell (Washington, DC) signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. He caught 202 passes in his Toledo career, and is one of only three Rockets to earn  All-MAC honors four times. He ranks fifth all-time at UT in career receptions, and third in receiving yards (3,076) and TD receptions (24).

"It's a good opportunity for me, a really good fit," said Russell. "I am disappointed I wasn't drafted but everything happens for a reason. I think Cincinnati will be a good place for me to come in and work hard for spot on the roster."

Defensive back Rolan Milligan (Lake Wales, FL) signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Milligan played one season for the Rockets after transferring from UAB. He started in eight games and made 48 tackles at nickelback. He played perhaps his finest game in the Boca Raton Bowl, making nine tackles and breaking up two passes in Toledo's 32-17 win over #24 Temple. Milligan will attempt to join former Rocket Barry Church, another undrafted free agent, on the Dallas roster.

"It would have been nice to hear my name on TV (in the draft) but this is great," said Milligan. "The safeties coach (Greg Jackson) told me I will have a good opportunity to play on defense and special teams. I've been waiting for this for a long time so it's really a blessing."

Quarterback Phillip Ely (Tampa, FL) will try out with his hometown team Tampa Bay Buccaneers' mini-camp in May. Ely played two seasons with the Rockets after transferring from Alabama. As  a senior, Ely threw for 2,965 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was the MVP in Toledo's 32-17 win over Temple in the Boca Raton Bowl, completing 20-of-28 passes for 285 yards and two TDs.

Defensive lineman Orion Jones (Tulsa, OK) will be headed to the Chicago Bears' rookie camp. Jones was a two-time All-MAC selection, earning first-team honors as a senior. He led the Rockets with 6.0 sacks and tied teammate Allen Covington for the team lead with 12.0 tackles for loss as a senior.

Cornerback Cheatham Norrils (Toledo, OH) will try out at the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie camp. Norrils was a two-time All-MAC selection, earning first-team honors as a senior. He had 66 tackles and three interceptions as a senior, and was sixth in the MAC with 13 pass breakups.

Defensive end Trent Voss (East Grand Rapids, MI) has a tryout with the 49ers. Voss, a third-team All-MAC pick as a senior, had 68 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss in 2015. As a junior, he had 77 tackles and 15.0 TFL. He ranks tied for seventh all-time at UT with 36.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

These six players will be  looking to join 11 former Rockets who were already on NFL rosters heading into the draft.

Toledo's NFL Free Agent Signees

Ruben Carter, OL (Miami Dolphins)
Rolan Milligan, DB (Dallas Cowboys)
Alonzo Russell, WR (Cincinnati Bengals)

Rookie Mini-Camp Invitees