Undrafted former Rebels find themselves in lockout limbo

Even though John Gianninoto and Matt Murphy knew an NFL lockout was likely, each still hoped to go into June navigating through a team's massive playbook while also trying to find a way onto its roster.

Their main challenges now are staying in shape and battling for the remote control.

The longer the lockout lasts, the more difficult the situation becomes for the two roommates and former UNLV offensive linemen because both are undrafted free agents and still don't know where they will sign.

And when they do sign, depending on how late in the year the lockout ends, both players will face even longer odds than usual to make a team.

"Every day we lose, they lose the opportunity to learn the playbook and lose the opportunity to prepare in (organized team activities) and minicamp," said Murphy's Las Vegas based-agent, Steve Caric. "You have to have a great camp. Before, you had to have a great camp, but you had the opportunity to (also) have a great offseason."

Caric pointed out players such as Murphy don't have the chance to even go through informal workouts with new teammates because they don't know their destinations. The drafted rookies at least can meet up with a handful of veterans and gain insight into an offensive or defensive scheme and begin to develop some chemistry and understanding of what is expected.

If a settlement is reached late in the summer or early fall, coaches will have even less time to evaluate undrafted free agents, giving the drafted players and veterans a greater edge.

There is hope, however, an agreement soon could be reached because both sides have been engaged in somewhat secretive talks.

Gianninoto said he follows developments by watching ESPN and talking to his agent, Brian Adkins. Former Rebels teammate Joe Hawley, an offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons, also has been a sounding board.

"He's going through it, too," Gianninoto said. "It's a little bit frustrating. This is the time I would be going through a couple of minicamps."

Gianninoto and Murphy work out five times a week at the Philippi Sports Institute, putting in 2½ hours each session. They work on position drills as well as strength training.

"It takes a toll on you," Gianninoto said. "But I'd rather be doing something."

So would Mike Smith, a former Nebraska offensive lineman and Palo Verde High School graduate.

He also had been working out at PSI, but now is training at Palo Verde. Smith, who played in the East-West Shrine Game, said he is completely healed from a broken leg that cost him his senior season with the Cornhuskers.

The Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League drafted him in the fifth round May 2, which gives Smith a backup plan, though his preference still is to give the NFL a try. Omaha's minicamp begins today.

"I want to play football," Smith said. "I want to do something. I don't want to sit at home. I'm leaning toward that now, but if the NFL does something with the lockout ... the NFL is my ultimate goal."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.