Colony alum one stup closer

JEREMIAH BARTZ/ Frontiersman sports editor

Cole Magner is one step closer to wearing an Atlanta Falcons jersey once the National Football League season starts next week.

The former Colony High School and Bowling Green State University standout avoided the ax on the first wave of cuts, Tuesday. Now Magner must survive another NFL cut-down day.

NFL teams needed to reduce their rosters to 65 players before 4 p.m. EST Tuesday, and Saturday afternoon each team must be at 53 players.

The Falcons parted ways with seven players, including three athletes who were battling with Magner at the wide receiver position. Two of the receivers let loose, Kendrick Mosley and Derrick Tinsley, were longshots to make the club, but one, veteran Peerless Price, was once seen as the ace of the corps.

"I didn't find out until midway through practice and I was down because Peerless was gone," Magner told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday. "This business is crazy. I have to take it as a great opportunity, though. They're going to pick the best guy and hopefully I'll get something done."

The release of Price could translate into a spot for Magner to grab. He is currently listed fourth on the depth chart at the Falcons slot position. Ahead of him are veterans Dez White and Brian Finnernan, as well as Roddy White - Atlanta's top choice in the 2005 draft. There are still eight receivers on the roster. To make the final squad he would have to edge fellow rookie free agent Brian Bratton, first-year pro Romby Bryant and Will Pettis - a former Arena Football League all-star.

Magner saw significant action in Atlanta's first four preseason games. He caught five passes for 55 yards, good enough for second on the squad, and leads the team in punt return yardage with 51.

In four years as a Bowling Green State University Falcon, Magner caught 215 passes, including a school-record 99 catches during his junior campaign.

At Colony, Magner led the Knights to the state championship game in 2000, and was named the Alaska State Player of the Year after his senior campaign.

Magner is looking to be one of just two Alaskans on an NFL roster. Lathrop High School graduate Reggie Tongue is a defensive back on the Tennessee Titans.

The list of other notable Alaskans to play in the NFL includes former Service High School star and Denver Broncos All-Pro offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, Kenai native and former Falcons defensive tackle Travis Hall and Eielson High School graduate and journeyman offensive lineman Tom Neville.