Former Shippensburg University defensive star Jake Metz saw his dream come to fruition today as he signed with the Buffalo Bills after a morning tryout.

Metz, who recently helped the Philadelphia Soul win Arena Bowl XXIX while earning Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in the Arena Football League, will look to impress the Bills’ coaching staff and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

“It would mean everything to me,” Metz said before his tryout about signing with Buffalo. “It would solidify all my hard work I’ve put into this dream and to make the team would really be a dream come true.”

With his signing, Metz has joined his second NFL roster following the Soul’s 2016 Arena Bowl title. Metz signed with the Eagles in August 2016 and earned some playing time in the Eagles’ final preseason game against the New York Jets before he was released.

With a full offseason in camp, however, Metz feels like he will have much better chance to end up on the 53-man roster at the end of the preseason.

“It’s one thing to get a workout, play a game and be there a couple days, but it’s a whole different story when you’re actually in the system and get a whole preseason to show the coaches who you are, your character and your athleticism,” Metz said. “I think that having more time is going to give me a better opportunity to make the 53-man roster for sure.”

The transition from arena football back to traditional football will provide a challenge, but Metz believes he is more than ready for it.

“Arena football is definitely completely different,” Metz said. “I’ve been playing outdoor football my whole life and I’m really excited to show them what I’ve got.”

At SU, Metz’s career as a Red Raider is by far one of the best in school history, with Metz currently owning the school’s career record for tackles for loss with 55, the school’s career sack record with 30.5 along with the single game tackle for loss record with six.

Following his time at SU, Metz was a key contributor for the Philadelphia Soul in the Arena Football League recording 29.5 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three pass break-ups and two forced fumbles in two seasons.

Metz believes his time at SU helped him learn how important hard work and dedication would be for him to reach his dream of playing in the NFL.

“Coming from a small school showed me how I really have to work hard and put everything I have into being the best player I can be,” Metz said. “Since I didn’t come from a big school, the work ethic I instilled in Shippensburg helped me to keep pushing and has ultimately got me to where I am right now.

“It’s awesome for Jake,” SU head coach Mark Maciejewski said. “The whole Red Raider family is very proud of him and he’s worked really hard to get where he is and we’re excited about his opportunity, we know he is going to keep working hard and do everything he can to make it happen. It’s great for our entire football family.”

Given the chance to play in Buffalo, Metz could immediately impact a pass rush and run defense that lost key contributors from 2016 including its leading tackler in Zach Brown and star cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Last season, the Bills ranked eighth in the NFL in sacks in 2016 with 39.

Metz also expressed his gratitude to his supporters.

“I’m grateful to have so many supporters at all levels,” Metz said. “From college, from family, from friends – I’m just glad to everyone following me on this journey and I hope that everyone knows that I’m going to give it all I’ve got.”

After signing in Buffalo, Metz will focus on making the 53-man roster after the preseason. The dream of playing in the league has been with Metz ever since he stepped foot on the turf at Seth Grove Stadium at SU, and Metz has proven he will do whatever it takes to accomplish his dream of playing in the NFL.

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