Former Derry Under-20s goalkeeper latest player to sign American football contract

Rutgers kicker Jack Scullion

Adam McKendry

Former Derry Under-20s goalkeeper Jack Scullion has become the latest Irishman to sign an American football contract after joining Rutgers University as a kicker.

The Lavey clubman will head to New Jersey for the start of the new season where he will succeed Jude McAtamney, who has just agreed an NFL deal with the New York Giants, in the role.

Rutgers had been looking for a new kicker and, after a formal visit to the campus, Scullion agreed terms to join the university.

Already Scullion is in the States training with the Rutgers roster ahead of the new campaign and he will study quantity surveying alongside his playing duties for the Scarlet Knights.

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The former St Patrick’s, Maghera pupil was called up to the Derry senior panel under Rory Gallagher but has now opted to leave the county and try his luck Stateside after impressing kicking coach Tadhg Leader.

Originally an outfielder with Lavey, Scullion would switch to between the sticks for the club’s Minors and would help both them and St Paul’s dominate their respective Ulster competitions, which would lead to Under-20 and then senior county call-ups.

With Jai Patel returning to Rutgers as an All-Big Ten kicker, it means Scullion will likely handle kick-off duties, which McAtamney also did.