Belsterling invited to NFL rookie mini-camps

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Former Huntingdon receiver Taylor Belsterling will report to a NFL rookie mini-camp later this week.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound receiver has been invited to rookie mini-camp with the New York Giants. The three-day mini camp will give Belsterling an opportunity to compete for a spot in the Giants' preseason training camp in July.

Belsterling, a Montgomery native, has also been invited to the New Orleans Saints rookie mini-camp next week.

Belsterling appeared in 18 games for the Hawks as a sophomore and junior in 2012 and 2013 before his eligibility ran out. Belsterling attended Southern Union before transferring to Huntingdon. Although Southern Union does not have a football team, the academic year factored into the number of semesters he could compete for Huntingdon.

As a junior in 2013, Belsterling started in nine games and led the Hawks with 38 receptions for 699 yards and was second on the team with six touchdowns. He caught a game-winning touchdown pass with 1:18 to play in a 34-27 win over Louisiana College.

He had a career-best 172 receiving yards against Wesley College and a career-high nine receptions against LaGrange College. The nine receptions are tied for fourth most in a game by a Hawk and the 172 yards rank sixth in Huntingdon history.

He ended his collegiate career with 47 receptions for 825 yards and eight touchdowns. He ranks 15th in Huntingdon history in career receptions, 12th in career receiving yards and tied for ninth in career touchdown receptions.

Since 2003, only one Huntingdon football player has made it to a NFL preseason training camp. Cody Pearcy, the Hawks' career receiving leader and a current assistant coach, signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2012.