Ex-FAU receiver happy with effort
By Joe Schad

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Monday, May 02, 2005

DAVIE ? Former Florida Atlantic University wide receiver Roosevelt Bynes said he did well in three days at the Dolphins' rookie mini-camp, estimating that he caught about 70 passes while dropping four.

"They told me they'll call my agent," said Bynes, who hopes to be among the three or four players coach Nick Saban will consider signing to a contract this week. "I gave it my best effort. I showed them I could play. I showed them I'm no sorry receiver."


Bynes, who played at Piper High School in Sunrise and then at the University of Pittsburgh before FAU, said Sunday he has run the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds.

He said he's has worked for the past month for a company in Fort Lauderdale, delivering hurricane shutters.

"It's not bad," Bynes said. "I worked from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., then did my running."

Receiver Chad Lucas of Alabama State also stood out in camp.

Running back Doug Parker of FAU said he was pleased with his effort. But Parker added that he was extremely impressed with running back Ronnie Brown, Miami's first-round draft choice.

"He deserves the hype," Parker said. "He cuts really good. He has the speed. And he answered all my questions about what linebackers to read. He knew because he got more reps."

Abram Elam, a free safety from Kent State who starred at Cardinal Newman, was one of 29 players invited to try out.

Elam, who began his college career at Notre Dame but was dismissed from the team and later convicted of sexual battery, declined to comment on his Dolphins experience.

"Abram has persevered," said Sam Budnyk, who retired last year after 44 years as coach at Cardinal Newman. "You'd like to think that when the scales balance out, it will even out if you're doing the right things. For him to even be there is a great tribute to him."

Ex-Dolphin Konrad retires: Former Dolphins fullback Rob Konrad, who signed with the Raiders in the off-season, is retiring, according to his agent.

"His heart's just not in it anymore," Drew Rosenhaus said on WSVN.

Konrad, a second-round pick by Miami in 1999, started just 13 games in the past two seasons because of injuries and was released by the Dolphins in March.

Brown impresses Saban: Ronnie Brown lined up at fullback and H-back as often as at tailback Sunday, showing off his outstanding ability as a receiver. "Ronnie Brown was very good in this camp," Saban said. "He is a very bright guy, very smart. He was able to pick things up at several positions. He caught the ball well and ran it well. He's got pretty good instincts and vision as a runner."

Staff writer Greg A. Bedard contributed to this story.