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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Coburn Signs Free Agent Contract with Detroit Lions
6/21/1999 | Football
April 28, 1998
OXFORD, Miss.- Ole Miss offensive tackle Devon Coburn has signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.
"Devon was a big factor in the success we had last year," said Ole Miss head coach Tommy Tuberville. "We knew Detroit had an interest in Devon. Their coaching staff saw us work out when we were up there for the Ford Motor City Bowl."
Coburn, a 6-2, 290 pounder, is being projected as a center for the Lions after starting the last two seasons at tackle for the Rebels. He participated in last week's mini(c)camp in Detroit.
A native of Noxapater, Miss., Coburn earned three letters while playing at Ole Miss. Coburn's career at Ole Miss started as a defensive lineman, but he was moved to the offensive line during the spring of 1996.
During his senior season, Coburn started all 12 games at left tackle and earned second team All(c)Southeastern Conference honors. He was selected for Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for games with Tulane and Georgia. He also started at offensive tackle as a junior and defensive tackle his sophomore season.
Coburn is the second Ole Miss Rebel to sign a free(c)agent contract with a National Football League team this spring. Kicker Steve Lindsey signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
In the recent NFL draft, Ole Miss running back John Avery was drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins while linebacker Nate Wayne was picked in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos.
