June 21, 2002

Akron, Ohio - Zac Derr, a former placekicker with The University of Akron football team, signed a free-agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL team announced Wednesday.

A semifinalist for the 2001 Lou Groza Award, Derr is the Zips' all-time leading scorer with 266 points and connected on 47 of his 64 career field-goal attempts (73.1 percent), including a career-best 52-yarder last season.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity," said Derr, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. "I think I have a good shot to make the team. The Cowboys are a great organization and I'm looking forward to getting down there as soon as possible to work out with the team."

Derr, who was signed after an individual workout for the Cowboys in early June, will take part in Dallas' pre-training camp sessions this month. The Cowboy's camp opens on July 25 in San Antonio.

Dallas currently has two kickers on its current roster. Tim Seder, who connected on 11 of 17 field-goal attempts last season, is the incumbent, while Billy Cundiff, a rookie from Drake, signed as a free agent after draft.

Derr's signing places four Zips from the 2001 roster in pro camps. Jake Schifino was drafted in the fifth round by the Tennessee Titans, while Konrad Dean (Cleveland Browns) and Jeff Grzeskowiak (Chicago Bears) signed shortly after the draft.