AFA'S FOWLER, HALL GET TRYOUTS WITH NFL TEAMS

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 3, 2008 | by JAKE SCHALLER

Air Force senior inside linebacker Drew Fowler is in Allen Park, Mich., to participate in the Detroit Lions' annual three-day rookie camp, which began Friday.

Fowler is one of 33 tryout players taking part in the camp along with the Lions' nine draft picks -- including Army safety Caleb Campbell and Colorado linebacker Jordon Dizon -- rookie free agent signings and select first- and second-year players.

Fowler has not signed a contract with the Lions and will attempt to impress the team enough to earn an invitation to training camp. He is wearing No. 58 during the rookie camp, according to the Lions' Web site.

In addition, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said on Friday that senior running back/receiver/returner Chad Hall has been invited to try out with his hometown Atlanta Falcons next weekend.

Even if Fowler or Hall were invited to training camps, neither would be able to play in the NFL for two years. The Air Force is following a Department of Defense policy that states officers must complete two years of active duty before applying for excess leave or early release from their commitments to pursue professional sports careers.

Campbell and other Army players can begin pro careers immediately after graduation if they make rosters, thanks to the Army's "Alternative Service Option" program. It allows officers to spend their first two years of active duty service playing professionally and working part-time as recruiters. It quickly became controversial after the Lions drafted Campbell last weekend.

Army defensive lineman Cameron Craig also is a tryout player in the camp.