The Boston Globe reported on Friday that the Patriots have signed running back Thomas Clayton, a sixth-round pick of the 49ers in 2007 out of Kansas State. Clayton, who is listed at 5-foot-11, 222 pounds, spent all of 2007 and most of 2008 on San Francisco's practice squad and missed all of 2009 on injured reserve.
At the same time, the team has released three players, casting off receiver Bryan Anderson, punter David King and quarterback Mike Teel.
The release of Teel is interesting because he was only claimed off of waivers a week ago, as New England grabbed him after he was waived by the Seahawks. He also loses his ten minutes of fame after both the Attleboro Sun Times featured him, as did the Patriot Ledger in articles this morning.
Teel (@MTeel14 on Twitter) just Tweeted moments ago, "When things get tough, don't move. People & pressures shift but the sail remains the same no matter where u go".
As for Clayton according to his Wikipedia page he originally began his college football career at Florida State University as a true freshman in 2002, where he rushed for 45 yards on 13 attempts. Following that season he transferred to Kansas State University, where he sat out the 2003 season under NCAA transfer rules.
His best season was his junior season, where he started eight games and led the team in rushing with 637 yards, while also scoring four touchdowns.
During the 2007 preseason with the 49ers he lead the league in rushing with 45 carries for 200-yards and one touchdown, ahead of Gary Russell of the Steelers (49 carries 191 yards 0 TD's), Pierre Thomas of New Orleans (33 carries for 190 yards 3 TD's), and Danny Ware of the New York Jets (50 carries for 183 yards 1 TD). Oddly enough the leading rusher for the Patriots that year during the preseason was Heath Evans, who had 28 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns.
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