After an undefeated Ivy League season, the Penn football team seemed to be overlooked, as none of the 2003 graduates were drafted.
Now, just over three weeks later, three Quakers have signed contracts with NFL teams: Vince Alexander, Stephen Faulk, and Rob Milanese.
While Milanese and Alexander -- signed by the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, respectively -- do not start formal practices until next week, Faulk began training with the San Fransisco 49ers last Sunday at their second mini-camp.
Faulk, a two-time second-team all-Ivy League member, led Penn in rushing and touchdowns in 2002. He ran for a career-high 467 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Faulk signed a one-year contract with the 49ers, and will earn the $225,000 minimum should he make the 53-man roster.
Originally recruited as a running back, Faulk moved to the secondary after breaking his collar bone in his freshman season.
Last season, Faulk started as tailback for the Quakers, but also played defensive back and returned kickoffs.
In the pros, Faulk will focus on cornerback.
Faulk is scheduled to stay at the 49ers Northern California facility for the next two and a half weeks.
This week, the former Penn star will be working out, followed by several more days of practice and then another week of workouts.
"I'm just working hard, day to day, trying to learn as much as I can," Faulk said. "I'm having the time of the life."
Indeed, Faulk takes it one day at a time, appreciating the fact that it will not be easy for him to make the roster.
"There are guys constantly being added and dropped [from the minicamp] every day," Faulk said.
But Faulk tries to keep that in the back of his mind.
"For a guy like me, who was undrafted and basically unsigned 48 hours after the draft, you've got to enjoy every minute of it."
Although Faulk is moving positions again and playing at a higher level of competition, not everything is different.
The Inglewood, Calif. native is relatively close to home at the 49ers facility in Santa Clara, Calif.
And Faulk doesn't seem too intimidated by the NFL scene.
"It's football just like it's been since 6th or 7th grade," Faulk said. "Not much has changed."
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