June 14, 2005
NEW YORK - Michael Quarshie, former Columbia captain and Ivy League-leader in tackles for a loss, has been signed to the Oakland Raiders' practice squad, NFL Europe announced. Quarshie, who had recorded 11 tackles and a sack since joining NFL Europe's Frankfurt Galaxy in late April, becomes a part of the Raiders' roster for the 2005 season as part of the NFL's International Development Practice Squad program. Under this program, he cannot be moved to the active roster, but he cannot be released during the season either.
"I am excited about the opportunity," said Quarshie from his home in Helsinki, Finland. "Being able to stick with a team for a year is a big help."
Quarshie was one of eight international players selected by NFL teams in the process. He was a two-time All-Ivy League selection and was named to the National Football Foundation/College Hall of Fame's Scholar Athlete team in 2004.
"The quality of our national players continues to increase every year," NFLEL Director of Football Operations Mike Chan said on NFLEurope.com.
"I learned a lot from the six weeks I was in Germany," said Quarshie of his stint in NFL Europe.
He is waiting for paperwork to be completed, which will take from two to four weeks. At that time, he will head for California to prepare for the season.
