BOZEMAN — Two years in the past, Kevin Kassis assumed his soccer profession was over. Now, the previous Montana State broad receiver is getting a shot to play within the NFL.
Kassis has signed an undrafted free agent take care of the Seattle Seahawks, the NFC West crew introduced Friday. A renewed give attention to soccer helped Kassis get thus far, greater than two years after his faculty profession ended.
Kassis turns into the sixth former Bobcat to get an NFL alternative this offseason, becoming a member of linebacker Troy Andersen (second-round draft decide by the Atlanta Falcons), edge rusher Daniel Hardy (seventh-round decide by the Los Angeles Rams), offensive lineman Lewis Kidd (undrafted free agent signee with the New Orleans Saints), broad receiver Lance McCutcheon (UDFA signee with the Rams) and defensive again Tre Webb (rookie minicamp invite with the Falcons).
These 5 performed for MSU’s Soccer Championship Subdivision runner-up crew final season. Kassis’ closing faculty season was in 2019. The El Dorado, California, native moved to Southern California and labored for an eye fixed care firm known as Alcon after graduating. About 5 months in the past, Kassis give up his job to dedicate himself full-time to soccer coaching.
Then-Montana State broad receiver Kevin Kassis makes a catch in a win over Montana at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman on Nov. 23, 2019.
“The previous two years I’ve type of had this seed planted in my thoughts,” Kassis stated after MSU’s Professional Day on April 4. “I’ve all the time tried to remain in form.”
COVID-19 compelled MSU to cancel its 2020 and 2021 Professional Days. Ready till this 12 months was a blessing in disguise.
Scouts from 20 NFL groups, together with the Seahawks, attended MSU’s Professional Day. Whereas the scouts had been primarily there to look at and interview Andersen, in addition they acquired to see Kassis, Hardy, Kidd, McCutcheon, Webb, defensive again Jahque Alleyne (a 2019 grad) and others.
“It was good to piggyback off of Troy,” Kassis stated with a smile April 4.
From left, Kevin Kassis, Daniel Hardy, Amandre Williams, Jahque Alleyne, Nate Stewart, Tre Webb, Taylor Tuiasosopo, Hunter Spartz and Lewis Kidd obtain instructions from a Seattle Seahawks scout throughout Montana State’s Professional Day on April 4 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman.
Kassis’ numbers from Professional Day weren’t launched, however he impressed individuals who attended the showcase, and he was happy together with his efficiency. Merely being there was an accomplishment in his eyes.
“A pair years in the past, clearly not having the chance for Professional Day, I type of hung the cleats up and type of put an finish to all this soccer stuff,” Kassis stated. “I am simply proud I used to be in a position to come again out, regardless if any groups wish to decide me up. Simply enjoyable having one final alternative to be a Bobcat. I cherish these moments.”
Scouts from the Seattle Seahawks and different NFL groups attend Montana State’s Professional Day on April 4 on the Bobcat Athletic Complicated in Bozeman.
Somewhat greater than a month later, an NFL crew picked Kassis up.
If Kassis makes Seattle’s roster, he’ll stand on the alternative sideline of former MSU linebacker Alex Singleton within the 2022 season opener on Sept. 12, when the Seahawks host the Denver Broncos for Monday Evening Soccer. Seattle may even host Atlanta on Sept. 25, play at New Orleans on Oct. 9, play on the Rams on Dec. 4 and host the Rams within the common season finale (date TBD). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who signed former MSU receiver Travis Jonsen to a futures contract earlier this offseason, will host the Seahawks on Nov. 13.