Daniel gets a shot with the Lions...

[USFootball]

Just incase anyone was wondering how Justin did this past weekend, this is an article written in our hometown paper...

Daniel gets a shot with Lions

Dennis Maffezzoli

Last year, when he received an invitation to attend a New York Giants mini-camp, Justin Daniel told everyone about it.

However, because of some snafu, Daniel never participated -- "That left a bitter taste," he said.

This year, when the Detroit Lions invited the former Charlotte High and University of South Florida standout to camp, Daniel kept it hush-hush.

A long snapper, Daniel received good vibes after returning from the Lions' three-day mini-camp in Allen Park, Mich.

"I did all right," he said Monday. "Pretty good."

The invite came by chance. Daniel was snapping for South Florida punter Brandon Baker, who was performing for Detroit scouts. They noticed Daniel in the process.

"I was surprised it actually happened," Daniel said.

He departed Thursday, worked out for three days and returned to Tampa on Sunday afternoon.

The experience was pleasant on a number of fronts. First, the Lions didn't overwork their campers. In addition, the coaches, especially special teams coach Chuck Priefer and assistant Stan Kwan, provided instruction and helpful hints.

"They would tell you what you were doing right and what you needed to work on," said Daniel, who was informed he needed to work on consistency. "Talking to the coaches was like talking to your friend."

Daniel didn't know if the experience with Detroit would lead to a contract with the Lions; however, the Lions' coaches did say that if another team was looking for a long snapper, they would pass along his name.

In a way, Daniel was on audition not only for the Lions, but the other 31 NFL teams.

"That's the way I looked at it," he said. "It was a learning experience."

Since graduating from South Florida last year, Daniel remained with the team as a graduate assistant, working with the long snappers and special teams players.

It also was a way for him to stay in shape and eventually get noticed by the Lions.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/COLUMNIST37/605090495/-1/COLUMNIST

[Ricky the Bull]

Best of luck to Justin!  It's all about exposure and I hope that this workout opened some eyes in the league.