April 28, 2008

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Former Bemidji State University wide receiver and return specialist Anthony Schreiber (Berkeley, Ill.) has been invited to participate in the Minnesota Vikings' free-agent mini-camp, May 2-4, the National Football League organization announced today.

Schreiber is one of as many as 50 players invited to participate in this weekend's mini camp. He joins the Vikings' five 2008 NFL draft picks, 17 undrafted free agents already signed to rookie free-agent deals, and 20 others at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minn. for an opportunity to earn a free-agent contract.

"It's a dream of all young athletes to play at the next level. When you manage to play in college, if you have a shot, you want to take that next step," said Schreiber. "It's a great feeling to know that I actually have an opportunity to do that."

"We are happy for Anthony," commented BSU head coach Jeff Tesch. "Anytime you get your foot in the door for an NFL tryout, it's obviously an exciting reward for all the hard work, time and effort put in. I hope it works out of him."

Schreiber is coming off a senior season during which he led the Beavers in receptions (56) and receiving yardage (770) for the third consecutive season while his 11 all-purpose touchdowns nearly doubled that of his closest teammate. The multi-talented player also led the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and finished 12th in the nation in per punt return average (13.9) while accounting for the leagues' only two punts returned for a score. In addition, he averaged a team-high 32.8 yards per kick return, which included a 90-yard return for a touchdown en route to a pair of First Team All-NSIC nods and a Daktronics, Inc. Second Team All-Northwest Region selection.

A five-time all-league pick, Schreiber capped his collegiate career as Bemidji State's all-time leading receiver. His total of 2,677 yards is tops at BSU while his 196 catches better the school's previous record by nearly 30 receptions. The playmaker's 22 touchdown receptions stand fourth on BSU's all-time receiving chart while his 32 total touchdowns is the fourth-best total in the 82-year history of the program.

In addition to his receiving accolades, Schreiber also left BSU tied with Jason Leden (1998-2001) for most career punt return touchdowns (3), finished second on the single-season TDs list (2) and ranked third in career-punt return yardage (558).

Schreiber becomes the third former Beaver to receive an invitation to an NFL camp under Tesch. He follows Michael Nordyke, who tried out for the Vikings in 2005 and Jonathan Hawks, who earned a 2007 try out for the New Orleans Saints.

"This proves we are recruiting good players," said Tesch. "These three have been impact players for us and are part of the reason we have had the kind of record we have had."

Now in the midst of its spring drills, the Bemidji State football team is coming off a season in which it posted an overall record of 7-4 in 2007 while it recorded a mark of 6-3 versus NSIC competition to finish fourth in the league. The Beavers conclude 2008 spring ball Saturday, May 3 with the annual spring game. The scrimmage is slated for 1 p.m. at Chet Anderson Stadium. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

--bsu--