LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Former New Mexico State football players Anthony McMeans and Rodney Butler are one step closer to reaching their dreams of playing in the NFL this past weekend.
 
"We are all really excited and proud of Anthony [McMeans] and Rodney [Butler]," Aggie head football coach Doug Martin said."
 
A two-year starter for NM State (2015-16), McMeans signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent late Saturday night. The Greenville, Ala., native was named to the All-SBC Honorable Mention team both years he played for the Aggies while earning captain honors his senior season. In his first campaign with NM State, McMeans blocked for Third-Team AP All-American running back Larry Rose III. Rose III was named the Sun Belt Conference's Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 after rushing a league-high 1,651 yards with 14 touchdowns on 240 attempts.
 
"I know Anthony has the ability to make the Rams roster and he will be relentless in that pursuit," Martin said.
 
In addition to blocking for an All-American running back, the 6-2, 314 pounds center played a huge role as the team's vocal leader on the field. McMeans was well respected by teammates and foes alike, due to his high football IQ.
 
"Rodney has two workouts coming up and one of those teams will get a real steal," said Martin. "He led the nation in tackles by ability and more importantly his heart and you can't measure that."
 
Butler, who led the NCAA in tackles at the end of the season, was invited to a tryout with Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots next weekend. After ending last year with 165 tackles, Butler was named to the Fourth-Team Phil Steele All-American list. In addition, Butler was also named First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference on defense.
 
The Palm Springs, Calif., native rounded out his collegiate career with 378 total tackles, 42 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, five QB hurries and a fumble recovery. His 378 career tackles tied him for fifth all-time with Leo Barker (1979-83) while his 165 tackles in 2016 tied him for third in the Aggie record books with Steve Campbell (1991).
 
Should both make the 2017 an NFL roster on opening day, they'll be one of four Aggies that are on an active roster. The two recent Aggie alums will be joining Davon House, who recently signed with the Green Bay Packers, and Kyle Nelson of the San Francisco 49ers in addition to Valerian Ume-Ezeoke – who is a practice squad player with the Pittsburge Steelers.
 
"The Aggie Family here could not be more proud of both of these class young men," said Martin of McMeans and Butler.