After minicamp tryout, Hansen signs with Eagles

Casey Hansen has earned a shot at an NFL career.

The Norfolk State quarterback signed a three-year contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, one day after returning from minicamp with the team that finished 8-8 last year.

"It hasn't hit me yet," said the 6-foot-5, 235-pounder from Norco, Calif. "It's obviously a dream come true, something I've dreamed about since I was a little kid."

Hansen is 1 of 4 quarterbacks in camp and the only rookie at that spot. Donovan McNabb sat out much of the camp with an injured right shoulder. Kevin Kolb and veteran A.J. Feeley are expected to compete for the backup spot.

Hansen, a junior college transfer, spent two years with NSU and threw for 4,277 yards, second most in the Spartan record book. In leading NSU to an 8-3 record last season, he completed 164 of 310 passes with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Hansen is the first NSU quarterback to sign with the NFL since all-time leading passer Aaron Sparrow in 1995.

"We're excited for him," Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian said. "The hardest thing to do is go into camp and get a look. He's got great size and a good arm."

Hansen said he was pleased with the three days he spent at minicamp and heard from the Eagles on Monday night while in the airport ready to return to Norfolk. He will return to Philadelphia on May 19.

"They ended up liking what I showed them," Hansen said.

Until that date, Hansen plans to stay in shape and work on throwing while reviewing notes from camp. The fifth-year senior will graduate Saturday with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Vicki L. Friedman, (757) 477-6874, VickiL120@cox.net