Eric Gallo was a 2017-All-ACC Honorable Mention and started in 38 of 42 games he played in at Virginia Tech. Photo by Jesse Garber.

The NFL will never stop expanding its reach to look for talent that may have slipped through the cracks.

Like most teams, the Eagles expanded their rookie mini-camp to include 24 tryout players who are at NovaCare practicing along with draft picks and undrafted free agents to for a shot at a training camp spot.

Most are not expected to move on past Sunday, but it is certainly worth a shot.
The Eagles brought in some locals including wide receiver Tim Wilson from Wayne, PA.

Wilson played for Tom Ryan at Radnor High School then for East Stroudsburg University.

Also in town is center Eric Gallo who played his high school ball at Council Rock South then Virginia Tech.

After Friday’s practice Gallo said, as a lineman, he knew there was just so much he can do to impress the Eagles coaches. There is no hitting, no pads and no real blocking at all.
How did Gallo hope to impress the Birds to bring him back for OTA’s and beyond?

“The biggest thing is to be as coach-able as possible,” said Gallo, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 300. “To take coaching from coach (offensive line coach, Jeff) Stoutland as best as I possibly can. Then execute what he tells me to do the best way possible.That’s my focus right now.”

Gallo went on to say he can’t possibly consume the Eagles techniques and plays in a few afternoons. And the Eagles know that.

“I’m not going to grasp the whole playbook in three days,” Gallo said. “I’m not going to learn the whole offense in three days, but I am going to soak in much as possible.”

Gallo was a 2017-All-ACC Honorable Mention and started in 38 of 42 games he played in.

He said he is not banking on his Power 5 resume for much. He is not in a position to look down on players whose resumes were forged in Division 1AA, Division II and Division III.

“We’re all here because we’re good players,” Gallo said. “Where we come from at this point doesn’t really matter. But I will say, playing in the ACC you see great defensive linemen and linebackers day in and day out. I think that puts me in a good spot here.”

Wilson, though, can bust loose in drills and scrimmages to show off his quickness and agility, even if the play isn’t “live.”

Wilson was an All-PSAC East 2nd team for 2nd straight year in 2017. He played in 39 career games for the Warriors, catching 133 passes for 2,042 yards and 16 touchdowns.

“I want to show them my speed and my versatility,” Wilson said. “I play special teams, kick return, punt return.”

Tim Wilson was an All-PSAC East 2nd team for 2nd straight year in 2017. He played in 39 career games for the Warriors, catching 133 passes for 2,042 yards and 16 touchdowns. Photo by Jesse Garber

Wilson continued to sell he skill set as enough to get a second look.

“With my speed, I get a lot of separation,” he said. “I showed that today.I caught every pass that was thrown to me. I just want to fight for a spot…speed is my game.Wilson said he lives in the weight room. I weigh 170 pounds but I can out up 220 pounds (bench press) like 17 times.”

One other thing any player trying out for the defending champions can do to up his stock is to relax and enjoy the experience. Coaches at this level want to know if this is a passion or just a job for the prospect.

Wilson is a 5-foot-9, 170 pounder hoping to catch lightning in a bottle for three days and impress. He wants it be clear to the Eagles coaches on how much he loves football.

“I love this game, I’ve been playing it my whole life,” said Wilson. “For me it’s just football, I want to play this game as long as I can. That’s what I’m here to do.”

Gallo agreed that showing the Eagles coaches this is not just a game, but something they want to continue for the rest of his life.

“That’s really important here,” Gallo said. “The way it’s going to best out here is if you really love the game and love what you’re doing out here.” *

Follow Al Thompson on Twitter @thompsoniii