Quote:By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- NFL draft disappointment was short-lived for Marshall seniors Butchie Wallace and Jason Rader.

Hours after the seven-round draft wrapped up in New York, Wallace signed a three-year free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings and Rader inked a two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Wallace, a four-year starter at tailback for the Thundering Herd, is the latest in a pipeline of players moving from Marshall to Minnesota. Rader, a 6-foot-4, 271-pound tight end, accepted the Falcons offer from about six other teams after receiving an interesting tip.

"I watched the whole thing and it was frustrating at first," Wallace said. "But then I thought that maybe there’s a team out there that wants me but isn’t drafting me because they don’t have a (late round) pick."

The Vikings’ interest in Wallace appears genuine. After making the league minimum ($250,000) as a rookie, his annual salaries jump to $305,000 and $385,000 the next seasons. With an undisclosed signing bonus added, Wallace’s deal is comparable to or exceeds those of most late round draft picks.

"He’s so full of confidence it didn’t matter where he went," said Wallace’s agent, Joe Dinda. "As an agency we’re a little disappointed he didn’t get drafted but the bottom line is that he just wanted to get to camp. He’s been proving people wrong his whole life.

"He was a fourth stringer when he started out as a freshman at Marshall. It’s just a matter of time and he’ll blow up."

Wallace joins all-pro wide receiver Randy Moss, defensive tackle Billy Lyon and linebacker Max Yates as former Marshall players with the Vikings. Minnesota’s current group of running backs include Michael Bennett, Moe Williams, Ontario Smith and Larry Ned.

Minnesota’s first mini-camp begins May 7.

"I may be undrafted but I’ll still be able to have a chance to make the same amount of money (as a late round selection)," Wallace said. "I’m thankful for the opportunity and I want to show those guys what I can do. I want to compare myself against the guys that were drafted and show them a little embarrassment and how good I am."

Rader’s agent, Jeff Courtney, said Buffalo, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Denver and Detroit were among teams interested in Rader immediately following the draft. The Falcons, however, offered the best opportunity to make the roster.

According to Courtney, Falcons officials indicated that reserve tight end Hunter Goodwin, a nine-year veteran, likely will retire, leaving just two tight ends on the depth chart. Alge Crumpler is the Falcons starter and is backed up by Sean Brewer.

"Atlanta feels like they got a real steal, and he’s looking forward to coming in and making a contribution," Courtney said. "The quote from their tight ends coach (Jeff Jagodzinski) was ‘I need a thumper. I think Jason can really help us out. He our guy.’"

At least three more Thundering Herd NFL prospects -- offensive tackle Nate McPeek, guard Luke Salmons and center Joey Stepp -- were not offered free agent contracts Sunday night. McPeek’s omission is especially surprising considering his 51 consecutive starts with Marshall.

McPeek worked through back and foot injuries as a senior, but the 6-4, 317-pound lineman returned to his all-Mid-American Conference form by season’s end.

"I’m waiting around to see what happens," McPeek said. "I guess because of injuries something hasn’t worked out yet. I’m hopeful that we’ll know something in the next two or three days."

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