Ex-Knight grabs first pro catches

JEREMIAH BARTZ/Frontiersman sports editor

ATLANTA - Cole Magner, a 2001 graduate of Colony High School and rookie wide receiver with the Atlanta Falcons, snagged the first catches of his National Football League career last week in a 16-3 preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Magner, who recently completed a four-year career with the NCAA Division I Bowling Green State Falcons, caught two passes from reserve quarterback Ty Detmer in the second half of the victory. With the Falcons facing 3rd-and-13 in the third quarter, Magner hauled in a 23-yard catch. Magner gave Atlanta another first down later in the third quarter with an 11-yard grab.

On special teams, Magner returned two punts for a total of 43 yards.

A wide receiver known for his versatility, Magner was signed as a rookie free agent after going unselected in the 2006 NFL draft.

As many as five wide receivers have been battling for one spot on the Falcons' final roster. But Magner continues to impress. In an article published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Aug. 5 it was reported, "Cole Magner's consistency has piqued the interest of the coaching staff. The flypaper-handed Bowling Green product not only catches just about everything thrown his way, he's far more athletic than initially though, (Atlanta head coach Jim) Mora said."

Magner is one of 10 wide receivers currently on the Atlanta roster. He is battling fellow rookie free agents Brian Bratton, Kendrick Mosley and Romby Bryant. There are a pair of recent first- round draft picks in the mix. Roddy White, the Falcons top pick of the 2005 draft, and Michael Jenkins, a first rounder in 2004. Plus, there are veterans Peerless Price, Dez White and Brian Finnernan.

Even though Magner's name does not show up in one of the top three teams on the squad's depth chart, listed on atlantafalcons.com, Magner continues to impress coaches, and even his All-Pro teammates.

"He's a playmaker. I've been watching him the last month and a half and critiquing him. I think he's going to make this football team," Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick told the Gainsville (Ga.) Times, in a story published on

Aug. 15.

Magner's name has also consistently appeared on the message boards of the team's Web site. Numerous contributors give Magner high grades, and praise, and call for the Palmer native to make the team.

Atlanta has three preseason games remaining. Tonight, the Falcons host Tennessee. On Thursday, Aug. 25, Atlanta face Jacksonville in a nationally televised game on ESPN. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. AST.

The Falcon coaching staff will decided which wide receivers to keep for the 2005 season by Aug. 30. The roster must be trimmed to a maximum of 65 players by noon AST on Aug. 30.