NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – Graduating senior
Dillon Salva of the Merrimack College football team will be joining the Washington Redskins for rookie minicamp this weekend.
Salva agreed to join the redskins following the 2018 National Football League (NFL) Draft on April 28. The two-year Warrior will be flying out Thursday afternoon to participate in the Redskins' rookie minicamp that will take place this weekend in Ashburn, Virginia.
In addition to the Redskins' offer, Salva also received minicamp invites from the Atlanta Falcons, as well as significant interest from the New York Giants, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs.
Salva will become the fifth Merrimack graduate in the last seven years to get an opportunity to play in the NFL.
Shawn Loiseau '12 (Indianapolis Colts/Houston Texans),
Tony Johnson '12 (Baltimore Ravens/New York Jets),
James Suozzo '12 (New York Giants) and
Isaiah Voegeli '13 (Philadelphia Eagles) all had the opportunity to do so after their careers with the Warriors, as well.
Salva started all 20 games in his career at tight end for the Warriors, joining the team as a junior transfer. In addition to developing into one of the best blocking tight ends in the Northeast-10 Conference, he also displayed some playmaking ability, as well. The New Jersey native caught 16 passes in 20 games for 230 yards and recorded three touchdowns in that span, with two of them coming during his senior season. He was also a member of the men's basketball program during his junior season, helping the Warriors reach the NCAA Tournament in 2016-17.
After his senior season, Salva was invited to the National Bowl in Florida, where he competed against top players from every level of college football (Div. I, II and III). Salva had a 30-yard touchdown catch in that game and followed that performance up with impressive showings at both the Holy Cross and Merrimack College Pro Days, putting up some of the best numbers of any tight end in this year's draft.
