The 2015 Northeast Conference (NEC) champion Duquesne football team produced three former players that signed undrafted free agent contracts or received an invitation to rookie camp with the National Football League this weekend following the completion of the NFL Draft held April 28-30.

Chris King (Crofton, Md./DeMatha Catholic) and Dan Buchholz (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) signed undrafted free agent contracts with the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears respectively while Trenton Coles (Clairton, Pa./Clairton) accepted an invite to the Kansas City Chiefs' Rookie Camp.

Buchholz, a 2015 First Team All-NEC pick, anchored an offensive line that helped lead Duquesne to the first Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) play-off appearance in University history last season. The 6-4, 301-pound tackle made 24 consecutive starts to wrap up his collegiate career. Buchholz blocked and provided pass protection for an offense that accumulated over 5,000 yards of total offense and scored 40 touchdowns (24 passing, 16 rushing) in 2015.

Coles, a 2014 transfer from the University of Pittsburgh, had two interceptions, four pass break-ups, a forced fumble and a sack in nine games for the Dukes in 2015. The 6-2, 168-pound cornerback also added 19 tackles (15 solo) and two tackles for a loss last season.

King finished his collegiate career as Duquesne's all-time leader in receptions with 175, including a school record 81 last season. The 6-1, 200-pound, two-time First Team All-NEC wideout went out with a bang in his college finale, hauling in 12 catches for 221 yards and a touchdown in Duquesne's 52-49 loss at William & Mary. In just three seasons as a wide receiver, King also finished his career with 2,574 yards which is good for third all-time at DU and 24 touchdown receptions which is sixth best all-time.

Forty-five Dukes have played in the NFL with 35 suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to Duquesne joining the FCS.

The Dukes open the 2016 season on Thursday, Sept. 1 as they travel to Youngstown State for a 7:30 pm kickoff.