While most of the news Monday in the NFL surrounded the release of New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow, a former Plant City High standout is getting an opportunity with the Jets.
Offensive lineman Mark Popek has signed with the Jets as part of a 15 player undrafted free agent list. Popek started nine games at guard and tackle in 2012 for the University of South Florida. He missed games against Syracuse, UConn, and Cincinnati, because of an ankle injury. Popek earned second-team All-Big East honors.
In 2011, he started all 12 games at left tackle, anchoring an offense that averaged 432 yards per game, 30th best in NCAA and second in the Big East.
A 2008 graduate of Plant City High School, Popek was rated the 83rd-best offensive tackle in the country according to Scout.com and was named to the 5A second-team All-State.
Popek graduated with a degree in criminology in 2012 from USF and was working toward a second bachelor’s degree. Other undrafted free agent offensive lineman signed by the Jets Monday include Clemson’s Dalton Freeman and Northern Arizona’s Trey Gilleo. The Jets also signed veteran guard Stephen Peterman Monday.