Will Hines
Courtesy of Randy Bergeron

Taylor Gadbois
Courtesy of Randy Bergeron

Former Lions football defensive back Will Hines and offensive lineman Taylor Gadbois got invited 

to the rookie minicamp of the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers. Both players will report to fall camps on Jul. 31 possibly as teammates.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Hines. “I still got to make the team and everything, but I’m pretty confident that I will.”

Gadbois played one season with the Lions after transferring from Miami University. Gadbois helped the Lions to a record of 7-1 in the games that he started in and was named to the first team All-Southland Conference, All-Louisiana honors and Associated Press All-American Team.

“I enjoyed the relationship I got to have with all of the coaches at Southeastern,” said Gadbois. “I enjoyed how they treated me as a man and how they push me to be better.”

Hines transferred from University of Arkansas to play two seasons for the Lions. Hines led the Lions with eight pass breakups last season, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Hines was also an honorable mention All-Southland selection.

Hines enjoyed his time with the Lions and what he learned from his teammates and coaches.

“Playing on this team was fun,” said Hines. “We had a great chemistry. This is probably the best team I have ever played on, off the field and on it. We hung out a lot, and we still do now. Some days it’s harder, but we still do now.” 

Hines recognizes that making the team will not be easy but believes that he has what it takes and will be playing professional football in the National Football League next season.

“I just have to compete,” said Hines. “I have to go hard every rep and do as much as possible learning the plays. Just stay on top of my game.”

For Gadbois, it has been a tough journey to this point. Gadbois suffered from injuries and had his scholarship revoked in Miami, after which he transferred to the university. Gadbois had to sit out a year as per National Collegiate Athletic Association rules.

“It’s obviously just a huge honor especially coming from just such a long road I have had through college football,” said Gadbois. “It’s very exciting. My whole life has been dedicated to just making it to the NFL.”

15 players have been offered opportunities in the NFL since Ron Roberts became the head coach. The two players who have recently been drafted are Harlan Miller to the Arizona Cardinals and Robert Alford to the Atlanta Falcons.

Hines does not believe going undrafted has hurt his chances to make the NFL and believes that it soon will not matter that he went undrafted.

“It feels good to make it because a lot of people don’t make it,” said Hines. “The percentage is crazy. I got to stay in it now. I made it now I have to stay in it. Going undrafted doesn’t really matter. The money matters but, besides that, it’s all good.”

Offensive lineman Taylor Gadbois is on his way to achieving his dream to play professional football in the NFL. Gadbois and Hines could possibly be the third and fourth former Lions player in the NFL along with Harlan Miller and Robert Alford.
Courtesy of Randy Bergeron

Defensive back Will Hines was invited to the San Francisco 49ers minicamp after going undrafted in this past NFL draft.
Courtesy of Randy Bergeron