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Trae Elston said he would find his way into the NFL, regardless of whether he was drafted or not. That's exactly what he's done.
After going undfrafted, the former standout Rebel safety has agreed to a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to a tweet by the Sun Herald's John Hendrix that was retweeted by Elston himself.
UPDATE: Jaylen Walton is joining him in New Orleans.
Yep, Elston's coming for you NFL.
Watch Me create Some Noise!!
— Trae Elston#⃣7⃣ (@Trip7ERA) April 30, 2016
"You know, I'm kind of happy that I got overlooked," Elston told Red Cup three weeks ago. "It really humbled me and made me work really hard and focus on my dream... I'm just ready to make a statement. I really don't know what to expect. If I don't get drafted, I'll go through free agency."
More on Elston
Elston was a four-year starter in the secondary for Ole Miss who's best season came as a senior. He was one of just three defenders in the country to notch at least 70 tackles, four picks and 18 passes defensed in 2016. He piled up at least 60 tackles in each of his four college seasons. As a senior, he was named to the All-America second team by the Associated Press; All-America third team by Athlon and Phil Steele; All-SEC first team by the coaches, ESPN, Athlon and Phil Steele.
But concerns over his 5'11, 195-pound frame and inconsistencies in coverage kept him from garnering much hype as a prospect. That changed, at least to some degree after his pro day, when he turned heads with his 4.46 40-yard dash. Soon thereafter, he made visits to Pittsburgh, Minnesota and San Diego.
More than anything, Ole Miss fans will remember Elston for being one of the standout members of Hugh Freeze's inaugural recruiting class.
"It's crazy. When I went to a team that was 2-10, everyone was calling me crazy," Elston told Red Cup Rebellion a few weeks ago. "But then to go 7-6 and keep progressing—last season we beat LSU, Alabama, Mississippi State, Auburn and won the Sugar Bowl, I don't think that's ever been done in one year. Everyone has that mindset that we can be a championship team also."