Sept. 6, 2005

Villanova University alumni Raymond Ventrone has been granted a spot on the practice squad of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Ventrone signed a free agent contract with the team in the spring, and now becomes the third former Wildcat to currently own a spot on an NFL roster. Brian Finneran is in his sixth season with the Atlanta Falcons, while Brian Westbrook begins his fourth season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ventrone, a 5-10, 210 pound safety, played in 35 career games at Villanova and tallied 251 total tackles (189 solo/62 assisted). He also registered 19 tackles for a loss, 11 pass break-ups, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two sacks. In addition to being named first team All-Atlantic 10 in 2003, he earned 2003 GTE/CoSIDA District II Academic All-American honors. Ventrone also earned Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team distinction in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

As a senior in 2004, Vetnrone's season was cut short when he suffered a season-ending leg injury versus the University of Pennsylvania in week four. In the four games he saw action in, Ventrone was credited with 31 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.

Ventrone is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., and is a 2001 graduate of Chartiers Valley High School.