Sean P. Stellato has been a certified NFLPA Contract Advisor since September of 2005.

Former Prep star Loyte invited to Buccaneers' camp

http://www.salemnews.com/sports/x993510325/Loyte-looks-to-capitalize-on-Giant-opportunity

Jon Loyte, a one-time St. John's Prep standout who recently wrapped up a fine career as a tight end at Boston College, has been invited to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie camp this weekend.

The Gloucester resident will fly down early Thursday for the four-day event, which includes all of the team's recent draft picks and free agent signees. Loyte is hoping to sign with the team as a free agent.

"I'm excited about this opportunity," said the 6-foot-5, 268-pound Loyte. "I talked to a couple of teams on (BC's) Pro Day, and thought something might work out in the late rounds (of this past weekend's NFL Draft). I think it could work out better for me this way because Tampa Bay didn't draft any tight ends."

The Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay were among the teams that showed interest in Loyte at BC's Pro Day.

After graduating from St. John's, Loyte began his college career at Vanderbilt University. He played there for two years before transferring to Boston College, catching passes from Matt Ryan — who was taken third overall by the Atlanta Falcons in this weekend's NFL Draft.

Two months ago, Loyte signed with agent Sean Stellato of Peabody. He's also been training to get ready for a potential pro career with renowned strength and conditioning guru Mike Boyle. Loyte has also worked with former New England Patriot Russ Francis, a member of the Legends Advisory Group.

"Russ travels all over the country doing this," said Stellato. "He filmed Loyte and went through workouts. Russ thinks Jon is a diamond in the rough and is very high on him.

"We've been working out, running pass routes, and getting him ready for this weekend. He worked out hard (yesterday) and will do lighter stuff (today). We had other NFL teams interested, but Tampa Bay seems like the best opportunity because they didn't draft any tight ends and are high on Jon."

Stellato, a former Salem High great who played at Marist College and then professionally in the Arena Football League2, feels this four-day showcase in Tampa is a perfect opportunity for Loyte to showcase his skills.

"We're optimistic that he'll report there in July (at the start of Tampa Bay's official training camp)," Stellato said. "He is too good of an athlete not to play at the next level and just has to find his niche. He is also a great kid and very intelligent, which will work in his favor because he is able to pick up new things quickly."

Loyte also had the advantage of playing at BC under head coach Jeff Jagodzinski, who came to the school from the Green Bay Packers and expected his college players to execute pro plays.

To get ready for his shot in the pros, Loyte worked out several times with Ryan, as well as with former UNH quarterback Ricky Santos (who signed with the Chiefs as a free agent).

He also spent a week in New Hampshire working with Francis, who noted in his evaluation of Loyte that he is hesitant to recommend players at his former position (tight end) and has only done it three times — Loyte being the best.

Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden employs two or even three tight ends at the same time in his offensive scheme. This offseason, the defending NFC South champion Bucs did add two experienced tight ends in Ben Troupe and John Gilmore.

This past season at Boston College, Loyte split duties with Ryan Purvis at tight end, being used primarily as a blocking end. He did have 13 catches for 135 yards in 14 games, averaging 10.4 per catch. His one touchdown came in his final game, a 24-21 victory over Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Last year's Eagles team became the program's first since 1940 to win 11 games, and went down in NCAA record books for winning eight straight bowl games.

In 2006 Loyte played in all 13 games for BC, grabbing six passes for 42 yards and two scores. He sat out the 2005 season after transferring from Vanderbilt, where he played in 21 of 22 games his freshman and sophomore seasons.

"Sometimes it works out better for kids to go this route instead of being taken late in the draft," said Jim O'Leary, who coached Loyte at St. John's Prep. "This way they wind up going to a team that has a need at the position they play, and it's a better fit.

"Jon has size, skills and a great attitude. He is smart and a very hard worker."

*This article was taken from the Salem Times. For the full article, follow the link below:
http://www.salemnews.com/archivesearch/local_story_120072157.html