Bellore, other former Chippewas adjust to NFL game

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The National Football League is a supersized version of college football.

Just ask former CMU linebacker Nick Bellore.

He signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.

“I think everything is quite a bit faster and the size has increased from college,” Bellore said. “There are bigger guys and a lot faster guys. I think there’s a lot more that goes into it than in college. Playbooks are a lot more complex.”

Bellore joined a team that isn’t in rebuilding mode. The Jets have been to the AFC Championship game the past two seasons. The roster is highlighted by quarterback Matt Sanchez and running back LaDainian Tomlinson, also with Rex Ryan as head coach.

It’s a star-studded locker room and Bellore is a part of it.

“It was crazy seeing LT (LaDainian Tomlinson) for the first time,” he said. “I’ve watched him and he’s still unbelievable.”

Bellore might have been in awe at first, but quickly realized that being star struck can’t last too long.

“You have to get over it pretty quick because you’re out there competing with them,” he said.

In all the hustle and bustle of his new life, post-CMU, he does have one familiar face nearby.

His roommate and fellow Jets player: Linebacker Matt Berning.

The two led the linebackers for the Chippewas last season. Now they get the chance to go through the NFL experience together, even though it didn’t always look like a possibility.

“That was awesome for that to work out that way,” Bellore said. “We thought it wasn’t going to happen. It was pretty cool, we’re roommates. It’s like nothing has really changed.”

Berning is helping Bellore with the transition and vice versa.

“It’s nice having someone that we’re familiar with and feel comfortable with and that you’ve been playing for years with,” Bellore said. “It makes the transition easier.”

The starting linebacker positions are set with David Harris and Bart Scott, but backup positions are still undecided.

Bellore and Berning’s main competition are Josh Mauga and Brashton Satele.

Bellore appears to already be on Ryan’s good side. Ryan called Bellore the biggest surprise on defense, according to ESPN New York.

While Bellore is happy to hear his name being mentioned, he knows it can change as soon as the next practice.

“It’s pretty cool that he acknowledged me,” he said. “It’s a day-to-day business. If I have a bad practice then he’ll have a different opinion. You just have to take it with a grain of salt. It doesn’t mean a whole lot a week or month from now.”

Former CMU offensive lineman Colin Miller has more to handle than some NFL rookies. He’s trying to learn two positions for his new team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s playing guard and center.

“I’m coming along pretty well, I’ve got the offense down,” he said. “It was a little bit up and down in the beginning, but I’m starting to level off now.”

Bellore and Berning fell into a nice situation as teammates, but Miller also joined a familiar face. Former CMU wide receiver Antonio Brown is in his second season with the Steelers.
Despite being paired in different groups, the two talk daily.

“I see him every day,” Miller said. “We talk in the halls. He showed me around a little bit once I first got here.”

Other rookie Chippewas have made appearances for NFL teams. Defensive back Vince Agnew, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins, had an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in a 28-23 win in his first NFL preseason game and punter Brett Hartmann is competing for the starting job for the Houston Texans with veteran Brad Maynard.

CMU rookies who were signed, but then waived include: offensive lineman Jeff Maddux and defensive lineman Sean Murnane.