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Ron Girault's not one to let his confidence be shaken, especiallyafter becoming the leader of Rutgers' secondary.
So it should come as no surprise that the strong safety had nointerest in monitoring the NFL draft, even though there was areasonable chance he'd be picked in the seventh round Sundayevening.
Teams started phoning him 90 minutes before the final choice wasannounced, but his name never got called. A short while later,Girault agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraftedfree agent.
"I wasn't nervous, maybe more anxious than anything," Giraultsaid Monday. "I had a bunch of teams showing interest, but I reallyhad no idea where I'd go. I received calls from six or seven teamstelling me they were thinking about me.
"I knew that I was going to be able to get [into the NFL] and I'dbe able to help a team."
Girault, a native of Spring Valley, N.Y., who played at St.Joseph. admitted he would have liked to continue playing close tohome. The Jets were one of the teams pursuing him, yet he decidedthe Chiefs would be the best fit.
"I like the situation with their defensive backs and the kind ofdefense they play," Girault said. "I like Herman Edwards as a coachand the environment. The fans really love their players there. And acouple of their personnel guys kept calling me and said they reallywere looking forward to getting me."
Kansas City starts Bernard Pollard (strong) and Jarrad Page(free) at the safety spots and used a third-round pick on NorthCarolina State strong safety DaJuan Morgan which means Girault willhave to make a strong impression as soon as he arrives at rookieminicamp if he's going to stick.
Girault said he's added 10 pounds to his 5-foot-10 frame,bringing him to 205. He's also got the benefit of outstandingnumbers from his Pro Day workout 4.43 seconds in the 40 and 25 repsof 225 pounds and a secret weapon.
"Natural instincts I think that plays a large part. I'm a well-rounded player and smart," explained Girault, who is scheduled tograduate May 22 with a BA in sociology.
Then, Girault will try to make it in Kansas City, where formerRutgers' star and six-time Pro Bowl strong safety Deron Cherryplayed from 1981-91. Cherry was inducted into the Chiefs' Hall ofFame in 1996.
"Yes, I know about him," Girault said. "I'm looking forward to[camp]. This is going to be exciting."
SCARLET FEVER: Girault led a group of five Rutgers players toreceive deals as undrafted free agents.
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