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11:55 a.m., Aug. 13, 2003--National Football League training camps are churning through August, and several former University of Delaware football players are battling for positions on professional rosters.

One Fightin’ Blue Hen whose position is set is Rich Gannon, quarterback of the defending American Football Conference champion Oakland Raiders.

Gannon, the NFL’s Most Valuable Player last season, has been throwing to several new receivers in addition to veterans Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Hauling in Gannon’s throws have been deep threat Jerry Porter, who is expected to play a larger role in the Raider offense this year, and rookie Teyo Johnson, who has been splitting time with second-year tight end Doug Jolley.

Gannon, who had a record setting 2002-03 season, has been sharing signal calling duties with backup Marques Tuiasosopo through the preseason.

Jamin Elliott, wide receiver with the Chicago Bears, made the news earlier in camp by catching the first professional pass thrown by Chicago’s first round draft pick, Rex Grossman, the quarterback from the University of Florida.

Elliott, who had a stellar career as a wide receiver with the Fightin’ Blue Hens, is in his second year with the Bears. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2002 and appeared in two games last season. He is battling for a roster spot with a number of candidates in camp.

Keith Burnell, who was signed as a defensive back by the Green Bay Packers, is getting a look at running back, although he has been hampered by a hip injury. Burnell played running back for the Blue Hens in 2002 after transferring from Virginia Tech.

He earned praise in a July 27 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story about quality players who are overlooked in the NFL draft and was identified as one of the top three undrafted free agents on the team. Burnell has “legitimate NFL athletic talent,” the story said.

Mike Cecere, defensive lineman with the Washington Redskins, drew notice for his play in a preseason loss to the Carolina Panthers. Cecere recorded a second-quarter sack that knocked Carolina out of field goal range.

Defensive lineman Joe Minucci was waived by the New York Jets on July 15 when they signed veteran Chester McGlockton