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The University of Utah Athletics
Finau, Black, Shelby, Asiata, Cullen Sign as Free Agents
4/29/2012 12:00 AM | Football
April 29, 2012
SALT LAKE CITY-- -
Five Utes signed free agent contracts with NFL teams Saturday night: defensive lineman Tevita Finau (Arizona), defensive back Conroy Black (Oakland), defensive end Derrick Shelby (Miami), fullback Shawn Asiata (Miami) and offensive tackle John Cullen (New York Jets). A day earlier, offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom was drafted by Oakland in the third round.
Finau (6-4, 283) developed into a dominating defensive tackle as a senior, playing in all 13 games and starting in the last four. He played a major role in Utah's Sun Bowl win over Georgia Tech in December, recording a career-high 10 tackles with a TFL.
Black (6-0, 186), an excellent cover corner with 4.35-second 40 speed, led the Pac-12 in interceptions last season with four picks. In his two seasons at Utah, he had five interceptions and seven pass breakups.
Shelby (6-3, 271), a first-team all-Pac-12 defensive lineman as a senior in 2011, played in 47 games in his career with 40 starts. As a freshman, he started in Utah's 2009 Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama. He played at his natural position at end in his final three seasons. Shelby was a four-year academic all-conference selection.
Asiata (6-0, 253) played in 25 games in his two-year Utah career with 10 starts. The bruising blocker was credited for clearing the path for all-conference running back John White, who rushed for a school-record 1,519 yards in 2011. Asiata was also used as a receiver out of the backfield, making 18 career catches for 129 yards and three touchdowns.
Cullen (6-5, 300), a second-team all-Pac-12 offensive lineman in 2011, played in and started 24 games in two seasons. He came to Utah as the No. 1-ranked junior college lineman in the country by Rivals.com.
Players Mentioned
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