April 29, 2003

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette center Chris Royle is heading to Chicago to participate in a free agent mini camp with the NFL's Chicago Bears this week. Royle leaves Thursday and will have a three-day workout that will include position specific drills.

A co-captain and two-time All-Patriot League first-team honoree, Royle started the last 40 games at center for the Leopards, anchoring a line that finished second in the league in both passing offense and sacks allowed in 2002. Royle also earned second-team conference honors as a sophomore.

Along with league honors, Royle was recognized as an ECAC Division I-AA All-Star. Royle also garnered major preseason accolades, being named to Lindy's Preseason All-America first team while also being rated as the third-best returning center in Division I-AA by The Sports Network.

Royle's blocking helped allow tailback Joe McCourt to rush for 1,393 yards and quarterback Marko Glavic to break Lafayette's single-season passing record at Lafayette with 2,670 yards.

Lafayette finished the season at 7-5 and with a third-place finish in the Patriot League.