The Miami Dolphins have taken a flier on an obscure offensive lineman from FIU, with the hopes of increasing competition at fullback.
The Miami Herald reported Thursday that the Dolphins signed Rupert Bryant, an undrafted free agent. Though he started 43 games as an offensive lineman at FIU, the team projects him as a fullback.
Bryan was listed at 280 pounds at FIU, undersized for an NFL lineman while also being to heavy to be a fullback. But Miami's current fullback, Javorskie Lane, weighed over 300 pounds in college before slimming down to 258 pounds before last season.
The Herald also reported that Bryan has lost thirty pounds since the end of FIU's season.
Before signing Bryan, the Dolphins had no one on the roster who could compete for the fullback job against Lane. He played in all 16 games for Miami last season, making 5 starts and accumulating 13 yards on 13 carries with 2 touchdowns (plus a touchdown reception).
Bryan is originally from Belle Glade, Florida, and played for Glades Central High School in Belle Glade. He was an All-Sun Belt honorable mention in his junior and senior seasons. No offensive lineman has made more starts in the history of the FIU program.
The Dolphins got a good look at Bryan at FIU's Pro Day for outgoing seniors before last month's NFL Draft. General manager Jeff Ireland and six team scouts attended Pro Day, according to the Herald.
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Though he played offensive line, Bryan did score one touchdown at FIU when he lined up at fullback during FIU's game against FAU last season.
