Euclid’s Preston to Titans; Lake’s Kettani headed to Patriots Golf Tips

Euclid’s Preston to Titans; Lake’s Kettani headed to Patriots

July 25, 2011, 9:53 am

New England Patiots’ Eric Kettani comes off the field during the first day of mini-camp at the team’s football facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, June 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Former Heidelberg College All-American Mike Preston has beaten the odds as a Division III player.

The Tennessee Titans signed the Euclid graduate as a non-drafted free agent, Preston said on Tuesday.

Division III players face big odds just to make it to an NFL training camp, mostly because of the stigma attached to playing at that level. But Preston’s size, 6-foot-4, and his production helped him immensely.

Preston had a short stint in the Arena Football League with the Utah Blaze and had a big game at The Q in a win over the Gladiators with 10 catches for 97 yards. In three games to end the season, he totaled 26 catches for 319 yards and five touchdowns.

“I’m just so honored,” said Preston. “I’m anxious to get started. This has been my goal since I was a freshman at Euclid.”

Preston was a first-team D-III All-American last season for Heidelberg with 76 catches, 1,213 yards and 15 touchdowns. He credits his short time in the Arena League as a big factor in signing with the Titans.

“It helped me just being around professionals and how I needed to act,” said Preston. “Now you’re accountable and have to do your homework. You have to approach the game as a professional. It also gave me the opportunity to adjust. I was thrown into the middle of a season, and I had to get ready very fast.”

Tennessee is no stranger to receivers from the non-Division I ranks. Receiver Nate Washington is a product of Tiffin University, which, ironically, is located in the same town as Heidelberg.

The Titans’ training camp opens on Saturday. Preston said he’s waiting to hear the official word. After that, he’ll get on a plane and head to Nashville, Tenn.

“I just hope to make the Division III world proud and I’m able to stick,” Preston said.

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