Former Fremd and Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien made the jump to the NFL Tuesday, signing an undrafted free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers.
“I am very excited," Tolzien said. "I am just taking it one day at a time and trying to make a roster.”
Tolzien had been in limbo since the April NFL draft when he went undrafted. Usually, NFL teams line up to sign rookie free agents, but the lockout made that an impossibility.
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But on Monday, when the labor issues were settled, it set off a firestorm around the NFL and the Tolzien home. Numerous NFL teams sought the two-year starter from Wisconsin, who led the Badgers to the Rose Bowl last January.
“I am so happy for him, Tolzien’s mother Ginny said. “I think he felt he would get an opportunity at least there in San Diego.”
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Tolzien picked the Chargers, who had released 35-year old back-up quarterback Billy Volek on Monday. Now Tolzien is listed second on the depth chart behind pro bowler Phillip Rivers.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity,” said Tolzien, who was boarding a plane for San Diego early Tuesday afternoon for training camp. “I have a new playbook to learn.”
Fremd coach Mike Donatucci is confident that Tolzien, who set 15 passing records at Fremd, will learn quickly.
“He lives the game,” Donatucci said. “Scott is always prepared. He works hard and is a great ambassador of the game.
Tolzien was working out late Monday at Fremd with wide receivers from the Vikings.
“Scott hasn’t changed since grade school,” Donatucci said. “It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”
Should Tolzien make the Chargers, he would be able to come back and visit his coach in the late fall. San Diego plays the Bears at Soldier Field on Nov. 20.
