Vortex's Matt Caddell first Tide player to sign free agent contract

Matt Caddell became the first University of Alabama player to sign a free agent contract in 2008 when he inked an agreement with the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. A 5-11, 185 pound wide receiver, Caddell finished his collegiate career with the Crimson Tide by turning in 475 yards on 40 catches and 2 touchdowns his senior season.  One of those touchdowns received national attention as a candidate for Pontiac’s Game Changing Performance of the year when Caddell hauled in the game winning touchdown with 8 seconds to play to give Alabama a 41-38 win over Arkansas.

In 49 career games , he had 82 receptions for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns. Caddell caught at least one pass in each of his last 10 games and had a career high in 2007 with 9 catches for 91 yards against Arkansas.

A native of McCalla, Alabama, Caddell redshirted in 2003 before starting 8 games his freshman season of 2004 and compiling 17 receptions for 331 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2005 he saw action in all 12 games for the Tide and totaled 13 receptions for 179 yards. He started 1 game his junior season and racked up 150 yards on 16 attempts.

Caddell will begin his professional career later this week when the Rams host their first Rookie Mini-Camp.