In the hours after the NFL Draft concluded from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, former ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ running back Quali Conley signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent.
Conley played his last collegiate season at ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ after playing at San Jose State for three seasons under current UA head coach Brent Brennan and running backs coach Alonzo Carter.
With Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round on Saturday, sidelined for eligibility concerns and Rayshon “Speedy†Luke opting to redshirt after four games, Conley became ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s bell-cow running back last season and had 145 rushes for 745 yards and eight touchdowns.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ running back Quali Conley, left, stiff-arms his way around Houston defensive back A.J. Haulcy (2) in the third quarter of their Big 12 game on Nov. 15, 2024, at ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Stadium.
Conley had fumbles in back-to-back losses against West Virginia and UCF, but bounced back with 107 yards and a touchdown against Houston. Conley also had 39 catches for 245 receiving yards and a touchdown in 2024.
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He ended his college career with 2,101 total yards and 18 touchdowns.
Conley is the latest former Wildcat to join the Bengals franchise, joining tight end Tanner McLachlan, who was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft last season. Former UA running back Gary Brightwell signed with the Bengals’ practice squad last season and signed a reserve/future contract in January.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star’s ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
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