Former Mules Devoe, Green named to NFL rosters

       The “Turk” came calling this week at training camps around the National Football League. Two players who did not get a late-night knock at the door, though, were former Central Missouri State standouts Todd Devoe and Roderick Green.

Devoe made the final cut as a wide receiver and special teams performer for the Denver Broncos, and Green made it as a defensive end with the Baltimore Ravens.

Both are excited by their good fortune.

“It’s nice to finally get my shot to go out and play and show what I can do,” Devoe said.

“I’m in the system now and I know what to expect,” Green added. “I’m taking it all in, and I’ve moved back to defensive end (after playing linebacker in 2004) and that is coming along really well.”

Devoe signed as a free agent and was on the practice squad for the Ravens in 2003 and part of 2004. He caught 16 passes for 277 yards and five touchdowns for Cologne of NFLEurope in 2004, and then spent parts of the 2004 NFL season on the practice squads for Baltimore, Tennessee, and Miami, meaning he had to make the Broncos this season or be released. He had two special teams tackles and a fumble recovery and caught four passes for 137 yards and a touchdown in the preseason for Denver. While in camp, he had the opportunity to learn from two of the NFL’s best—all-time leading receiver Jerry Rice, and Broncos leading receiver and former MIAA standout (Missouri Southern) Rod Smith.

“It was a great experience (working with Rice), but it was even better working with Rod Smith,” Devoe said. “Jerry Rice is the best ever, but Rod came from a similar background and he has been in Denver’s system, so I was able to learn a lot from him. It was the best of both worlds, really.”

A fifth round pick in 2004, Green was active for nine games last fall and finished the year with six tackles, five on special teams. It is that role, along with increased playing time as a rush defensive end he will see this season.

“I’m going to be playing on special teams again and playing a lot in nickel and passing situations,” he said.

Was it easier to go through camp the second time around, knowing he had established himself as a solid NFL player?

“It’s a business,” Green said. “They’re going to do what they have to do, and I’m going to do what I have to do. And what I have to do right now is go out and play the best I can for the Baltimore Ravens.”

Devoe and the Broncos open their 2005 slate this Sunday at Miami, while Green and the Ravens host Indianapolis.