April 26, 2010

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Two members of the National Champion Villanova Wildcats have signed NFL free agent contracts. Safety Ross Ventrone signed with the New England Patriots and wide receiver Brandyn Harvey signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

Ventrone started all 15 games in 2009 for the Wildcats and tallied 73 total tackles (53 solo stops), six tackles for loss, six pass break-ups, three quarterback sacks, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery that was returned 59 yards for a touchdown. Ventrone's brother, Ray, played three seasons for the Patriots and is currently a member of the Cleveland Browns. Ray Ventrone played at Villanova from 2001-04.

Harvey also started all 15 games in 2009 and registered a team-best 53 catches for a team-high 694 yards and a team-best five touchdown receptions. For his efforts, he was named second team All-CAA. Harvey joins former Wildcat receiver Brian Finneran on the Falcon roster. Finneran is currently in his 10th year with the Falcons.