Former Virginia Union RB signs with Green Bay Packers

By Gerald Huggins

It took longer than he probably would have liked, but Will Stanback now has an NFL home.

The former Virginia Union running back has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers following a rookie camp tryout, according to his Twitter account.

“Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointment” #GoPackGo #imacheesehead 🧀🧀 pic.twitter.com/59kRObr5vb

– Will Stanback (@WillStanback28) May 8, 2017

Stanback played just one season at VUU after starting his career at UCF, but it was a productive one. He led the CIAA in rushing with just under 1,300 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns and averaging 6.3 yards per carry. He rushed for better than 100 yards in eight of those games, and had 94 yards on the ground in one of the others. He rushed for three touchdowns three times.

His signing makes two for VUU, as defensive back Rodeshawn Joseph signed a minicamp deal with the Denver Broncos. Listed at 5-11, 233 pounds, Stanback is a bruising runner. He has the power to run through defenders and the speed to run past them as well. He is a solid pass protector and can also catch the ball out of the backfield.

“One’s best success comes after their greatest disappointment,” Stanback told HBCU Gameday’s Gerald Huggins. “Also, I appreciate Virginia Union for never giving up on me and giving me the opportunity to change my life for the better.”

VUU took a chance on the talented New Yorker, who was kicked off of UCF’s team by former coach George O’Leary in 2015. While it didn’t pay off record-wise as VUU went just 5-5, Stanback’s success in Richmond allowed him to display his talents and keep his name in scouts minds for a year. VUU has to hope that will encourage other Division I players to consider it as well.

“His story shows the importance that HBCUs have on our guys,” Virginia Union coach Mark James told Huggins. “A lot of people did not want to give Stanback another opportunity. We gave him an opportunity, and we are proud of him. The ability to take guys, graduate them and give players the chance to play at the next level along with becoming better men is the mission of our program.”