By Nate Owen

While other seniors prepared for graduation ceremonies, Northeastern football players Cory Parks and Ryan Gibbons took their first step toward continuing football after college.

Parks, a wide receiver who ranks second in Husky history for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, was invited by the New York Jets to attend a tryout at their rookie mini camp May 5-7, making him unavailable for comment.

Northeastern coach Rocky Hager praised Parks for his uncanny ability to understand schemes.

“Cory has great ability to adjust to the ball,” he said. “He catches the ball really well.”

Gibbons, an offensive tackle who started 36 of his 46 games during his time at Northeastern, drew interest from several teams due to his athleticism, toughness and lower body strength. He was not selected during the two-day NFL Draft, but was contacted immediately afterward and became one of 12 free agents signed by the Jaguars. He will report to the Jags’ three-day mini camp May 12.

“Ryan has the size (6 feet 6 inches, 318 pounds) for an NFL tackle,” Hager said. “He has really improved in the last two years.”

As for the transition to the pros, Gibbons said he felt it would be a matter of increasing his level of focus in his game and everyday activities.

“[I’ve] got to watch what I eat more and listen more [during practice],” Gibbons said.

Hager said he felt both players had already achieved an important milestone.

“Only one out of 80 [college players] get to try out,” he said. “That puts them in an elite group right there. Both have the skills to have an opportunity to succeed at that level.”