April 26, 2010

Allendale, Mich. - A pair of former Grand Valley State football players signed NFL free agent contracts and will be participating in NFL mini camps during the next couple of weeks. Nick McDonald, a consensus All-America selection and the 2010 GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, signed with the Green Bay Packers, while former Laker kicker, Todd Carter, inked with the Carolina Panthers on April 6. Former Lakers Brandon Carr (Kansas City Chief) and Dan Skuta (Cincinnati Bengals) and Eric Fowler (Detroit Lions) are currently on National Football League rosters, while former offensive tackle, Josh Bourke, plays for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.

McDonald was a three-year starter for the Lakers on the offensive front and a two-time All-GLIAC performer. McDonald was a key performer in the Lakers' run to the 2009 NCAA DII National Championship game. Carter finished his career with the Grand Valley State in 2008, but continued to work towards a playing career in professional football. Todd worked out for several NFL teams before getting a call from Carolina.

"This is an exciting time for Nick (McDonald) and Todd (Carter)," said first-year head coach Matt Mitchell. "Nick has gone through so much in his life and to get to this point where he has a chance to play in the National Football League just shows his makeup and perseverance. Todd (Carter) is also a great story since he finished his collegiate career in 2008, but stuck with it and found a way into an NFL camp."

Note...Brandon Carr, Dan Skuta and Todd Carter all played high school football at Flint Carman-Ainsworth.