April 28, 2008

NORMAL, Ill. - Former Illinois State offensive lineman Brandon Joyce joined his former Redbird teammates, Luke Drone and Isaiah Wiggins, in the NFL after signing a free-agent contract Monday with the Minnesota Vikings.

Joyce leaves Thursday for the Vikings' mini-camp and is ready for the challenge.

"I feel great," said Joyce. "I've been working out since the end of the season. I did well in the entire combine testing and now I've turned my focus back toward football-type workouts. I'm stronger and faster now than I've ever been, and I'm really looking forward to getting into camp."

Minnesota had five selections in the 2008 NFL Draft, and one of those picks was used on an offensive lineman. The Vikings chose John Sullivan, a center from Notre Dame, in the sixth round with the 187th pick overall.

"The Vikings have three veteran offensive linemen in Matt Birk, Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie, but they also have some openings and are looking to add depth. So, it's a good situation for me," said Joyce.

The St. Charles, Mo., native spent two years at Illinois State, after transferring from Indiana. He started the last 22 games for the Redbirds at right tackle and played in all 23 games during his Redbird career.

Joyce joins former Redbirds Aveion Cason (Detroit Lions), Luke Drone (Buffalo Bills), Boomer Grigsby (Miami Dolphins), Brent Hawkins (Jacksonville Jaguars), Laurènt Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) and Isaiah Wiggins (Baltimore Ravens) on current NFL rosters.