When the Atlanta Falcons signed undrafted free agent Cody Pearcy, a wide receiver out of Division III Huntingdon College, a seemingly impossible dream had come true. A virtually unheard of player had found his way onto an NFL roster.
On Thursday, though, that dream suffered an unfortunate setback when the Falcons decided to part ways with Pearcy, waiving the former Huntingdon star. Pearcy participated with the Falcons all through their rookie camp, OTAs and minicamp, but couldn’t secure his roster spot heading into training camp.
Not only was Pearcy one of the only Division III athletes to find his way onto an NFL roster this offseason, but he was the first Huntingdon alumni to ever sign with an NFL team. Pearcy did plenty to earn that distinction, though.
During his junior year with the Hawks, Pearcy broke school records by recording 1,078 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. The Huntingdon career-leader in receptions (147), receiving yards (2,632), touchdowns (25) and yards per reception (17.9) also broke the school record for receiving yards in a game with 233.
Pearcy was also an electrifying return man during his days at Huntingdon, a talent that made him an intriguing NFL prospect.
The 5’11’’, 160-pound Pearcy really caught pro scouts’ attention when he recorded a 4.3 40-yard dash as well as a 41-inch vertical jump during pre-draft workouts. His impressive numbers got his name on the radar and eventually led to him signing with the Falcons.
Although chances are slim that Pearcy will be able to latch on with another NFL team, the fact that the former DIII star was invited on by the Falcons says a mouthful about his work ethic and athleticism. He might not be the prototypical NFL playmaker, but he has the talent to turn heads.
Don’t be surprised to see Pearcy’s name pop up elsewhere at some point this offseason.
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