May 16, 2006

Orono, ME (CSTV U-WIRE) -- For four years, Kevin McMahan and Montell Owens shared the football field at the University of Maine. Monday, the duo shared something even more special: joining the ranks of the National Football League.

The Oakland Raiders tabbed McMahan, a receiver, as Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick [255th overall] of the 2006 NFL draft, while Owens, a running back, signed a free agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the draft was nearing completion. The duo enjoyed the moment together at McMahan's Orono home.

"Me and Kev actually got our calls at the same time," Owens said. "I was on the phone when his name flashed across the [television] screen. I couldn't hear what the Jags were saying because everyone was jumping around, and he couldn't because he was jumping for me."

The former Black Bears have been training together since their University of Maine careers ended in November.

A 6-foot-2, 196-pound wide receiver, McMahan earned the dubious title of "Mr. Irrelevant" from ESPN for being the final selection of the two-day, seven-round draft. He will be the guest of honor at the 31st annual Mr. Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach, Calif., later this summer.

McMahan becomes the first Black Bear drafted since 1990 after a stellar senior season in which he gained 893 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, including a school record four in the season finale against New Hampshire. He was named third team All-Atlantic-10.

McMahan could not be reached for comment before press time.

The Raiders were likely impressed with McMahan's 4.38 40-yard dash time [the same time as No. 2 pick and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush] at a scouting combine hosted by UMaine over the winter.

"He tested very well for them when the scouts were here," said UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove. "The Raiders called Friday looking for some game tapes, the New Hampshire game and Delaware to look at him."

McMahan will likely sign a rookie contract in the coming months, reporting to Oakland for work outs and training camp by late July. He will be looking to make a roster alongside All-Pro wide-outs Randy Moss and Joey Porter.

The Rochester, NY native finished his UMaine career eighth on the all-time receiving list with 1,995 yards and 25 touchdowns. McMahan rebounded from a knee injury that shortened his junior season to land amongst the stars in Oakland.

Owens, who also drew interest from New England and Miami, already has a contract with Jacksonville because he was not selected in the draft, but rather signed as a rookie free agent.

"They were thinking about pulling the trigger on me in the last round but they thought they could get me as a free agent. They were playing their cards just like I was playing mine."

The 5-foot-10, 225 pound running back exploded on the scene for the Black Bears last year, gaining 779 yards with nine touchdowns. The fiery Delaware native waited in the wings beyond UMaine's all-time leading rusher, Marcus Williams, before assuming the starting duties last fall.

"I talked to their running back coach this morning and he said they liked what they saw on the film," Owens said.

Owens will also hope to play with a Pro Bowler, Jacksonville's starting running back Fred Taylor. LaBrandon Toefield, considered one of the best back-up runners in the league, will also be among Owens' new teammates when he reports to training camp this summer in northern Florida.

The year's duo joins several former Black Bears in the NFL. Safety Brandon McGowan [2005] was a part-time starter for the Chicago Bears last season, Stephen Cooper [2003] is a regular at linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, and Mike Flynn [1997] is the starting center for the Baltimore Ravens.

Before moving on to the professional football chapter of their lives, however, McMahan and Owens will enjoy a few more weeks in Orono, particularly last night.

"I'm happy for Kev and Kev's happy for me," Owens said. "There's a lot of celebrating going on over here."

(C) 2006 The Maine Campus via CSTV U-WIRE