From his playing days at Shippensburg University, former Red Raider standout Jake Metz has always dreamed of playing in the NFL. Today, Metz received another chance, securing a tryout with the Buffalo Bills Friday.
Metz, who recently helped the Philadelphia Soul win Arena Bowl XXIX, while earning Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in the Arena Football League, heads to Buffalo hoping to secure a spot on the Bills’ roster for training camp. Metz ultimately hopes to earn a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.
“It would mean everything to me,” Metz said. “It would solidify all my hard work that I’ve put into this dream, and to make the team would really be a dream come true.”
If Metz were to sign with Buffalo, the Bills would become the second team that has taken on Metz following his successful 2016 campaign in the Arena Football League. In two years with the Soul, Metz has recorded 29.5 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.
Metz recently played with the Philadelphia Eagles, following the Soul’s Arena Bowl title and received a workout and signed, earning playing time in the Eagles’ final preseason game against the Jets. He ultimately did not earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
By working out with the Bills and getting an opportunity to go through camp, Metz would have more time to prove his worth and ability to an NFL team.
“It’s one thing to get a workout, play a game and be there a couple days, but it’s a whole different story when you’re actually in the system and get a whole preseason to show the coaches who you are, your character and your athleticism,” Metz said. “I think that having more time is going to give me a better opportunity to make the 53-man roster for sure.”
The transition from arena football back to traditional football will provide a challenge, but Metz believes he is more than ready for it.
“Arena football is definitely completely different,” Metz said. “I’ve been playing outdoor football my whole life and I’m really excited to show them what I’ve got.”
At SU, Metz’s career as a Red Raider is by far one of the best in school history, with Metz currently owning the school’s career record for tackles for loss with 55, the school’s career sack record with 30.5 along with the single game tackle for loss record with six.
Metz believes his time at SU helped him learn how important hard work and dedication would be for him to reach his dream of playing in the NFL.
“Coming from a small school showed me how I really have to work hard and put everything I have into being the best player I can be,” Metz said. “Since I didn’t come from a big school, the work ethic I instilled in Shippensburg helped me to keep pushing and has ultimately got me to where I am right now.
Given the chance to play in Buffalo, Metz could immediately impact a pass rush and run defense that lost key contributors from 2016 including its leading tackler in Zach Brown and star cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Last season, the Bills ranked eighth in the NFL in sacks with 39.
Metz also expressed his gratitude to his supporters.
“I’m grateful to have so many supporters at all levels,” Metz said. “From college, from family, from friends – I’m just glad to everyone following me on this journey and I hope that everyone knows that I’m going to give it all I’ve got.”
With a tryout in place, Metz will hope to make the roster for camp before what he hopes will result in a spot on the Bills’ 53-man roster by the end of training camp. The dream has been with Metz ever since he set foot on the turf at Seth Grove Stadium, and Metz has proven that he will do whatever it takes to accomplish his dream.
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