Panthers sign WRs Avila, Bryant

Posted Jun 11, 2012

David Monroe Digital Media Coordinator

CHARLOTTE - Two players who recently auditioned for the Panthers have earned parts in the team's next act.

Undrafted rookie free agent wide receivers Michael Avila from San Jose State and Lamont Bryant from Morgan State have been signed and will take part in Carolina's minicamp that begins Tuesday. Avila previously participated in the team's rookie camp as a tryout player in May, while Bryant worked out for the Panthers last week.

Avila (5-8, 168 pounds) played in 32 games with one start for the Spartans and made 31 catches for 247 yards. He also returned seven punts for 35 yards and 15 kickoffs for 303 yards.

A two-time first-team All-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference selection for the Bears, Bryant (6-5, 229 pounds) produced 44 receptions for 677 yards and four touchdowns in 34 games. He is projected to line up at wide receiver in the NFL after playing tight end in college.

In corresponding roster moves, the Panthers waived wide receivers Wes Kemp and Chris Manno. Kemp had been signed as an undrafted rookie free agent from Missouri following the NFL Draft in April, and Manno had joined the team as a free agent in March.