ST. LOUIS (May 1, 2006) -- Signing the son of actor Denzel Washington ensured the St. Louis Rams of making a splash the day after the NFL draft ended.

John David Washington, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound running back was among 10 undrafted players signed by the Rams after playing for Division II Morehouse College last year.

Washington had a school-record 1,198 yards with a 5.6-yard average and nine touchdowns, and added 10 receptions for 69 yards is senior year. He also ended his career as the school's single-game (242 yards) and career (3,699) leading rusher.

Washington led the conference in rushing last season, and was named national player of the week by D2Football.com last season.

Another unusual addition was Connecticut basketball player Ed Nelson, a 6-8 forward who hasn't played football since his freshman year of high school, as a tight end. Nelson played 29 games as a reserve at UConn after transferring from Georgia Tech, averaging three points and three rebounds.

The Rams also signed kicker Josh Cummings of Pittsburgh, centers Mike Degory of Florida and Donovan Raiola of Wisconsin, tight end Jonathan Williams of New Hampshire, running back Antoine Bagwell of California (Pa.), defensive end Kory Lothe of Eastern Illinois, defensive tackle Tim Sandidge of Virginia Tech and wide receiver Clinton Solomon of Iowa.