BUFFALO, NY -University at Buffalo inside linebacker Craig Guest, a native of North Haven, CT, has reached a free agent agreement with the New York Jets. Although specific terms were not disclosed, the deal is for two years with playing incentives included. Guest will participate in the Jets, mini-camp this weekend and becomes the second UB player to hook on with an NFL team in the past three days.

On Sunday, offensive tackle Edward Ellis became the first UB player ever selected in an NFL draft when the New England Patriots made him their fourth-round pick. Guest is the school's all-time leading tackler and became the first UB player to record 100 or more tackles in three straight seasons (1994-96). He had 136 tackles last season and holds the school record for tackles in a game (29 versus Maine), season (161 in 1995) and career (446).

"Craig has been a very productive college linebacker who has size and speed but most importantly toughness, said Todd Haley, a New York Jets scout who worked Guest out in Buffalo. "He's a big hitter. We're looking for help on special teams and linebackers so we,re trying to get tough, fast guys in here. When the draft ends and a guy like that is still available it's a bonus. Haley said Guest had an excellent workout and impressed the Jets when they saw him play at Hofstra, a game attended by John Griffin, the Jets, Coordinator of College Scouting. "He had a big game against Hofstra which is right across the street from us, said Haley. "When you work out a guy who you like on film you want to make sure he has the quickness to play at this level and Craig does.

With punter/kicker Gerald Carlson also entertaining free agent offers, head coach Craig Cirbus says this week's developments make a statement on where the football program is headed. "To have two players and hopefully more be viewed as NFL-quality players is an indication of how far our program has come, said Cirbus, whose team finished 8-3 last season. "I'm extremely happy for both Ed and Craig and their families and grateful to them for the efforts they made on behalf of the UB football program. They will no doubt represent this University very well.