FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced today the signing of free agent RB James Develin to the practice squad. Terms of the contract were not announced.
Develin, 24, spent the entire 2011 season and postseason on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. The 6-foot-3, 251-pounder was originally signed to the Bengals practice squad out of the United Football League late in 2010 for the final five games of the season.
Develin, who played defensive line at Brown from 2006-09, was signed by the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2010 and converted to fullback. He did not have a carry during the regular season, but caught three passes for 17 yards and one catch for 26 yards in the championship game against Las Vegas.
As a senior in 2009 at Brown, Develin led the team in sacks (5.0) and tackles for loss (16). He also posted 53 total tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries. As a junior in 2008, he registered 34 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.
