Photos courtesy of the Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former Lumberjack Matt Estrada was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on Saturday, locking up his spot on the team for the first week of the NFL season. The Jaguars play Tennessee in the opening week.

"I am excited," said Estrada after practice on Monday. "It is something I have dreamed about since I was a kid. I am very thankful to the Jaguars for giving me an opportunity to showcase what I can do with the best."

A two-year team captain, Estrada was named most valuable defensive player, defensive backfield player of the year and outstanding junior at team banquet in 2009 after leading the team with 78 tackles with a team-best 47 solo tackles, earning All-Big Sky first team honors. In 2010, he recorded 51 tackles and ranked among the Big Sky leaders in punt and kick returns, earning All-Big Sky second-team honors.

Estrada, who was working the No. 2 defense, was awaiting the final cuts.

"I knew it was going to be nerve-racking," said Estrada. "It was the most interesting process I have ever been through. I was just waiting for a phone call on whether or not I made the squad."

Estrada saw action in three preseason games.

"I think I did good," said Estrada. "If I was activated on the 53-man roster, I think I would be able to do well. We are still competing for jobs every day we are out there. We can't lay back and take things for granted. We have to establish ourselves here everyday."

NAU has had 10 players sign free agent contracts with NFL teams since 2000. Estrada is the fifth NAU player in the last 10 years to make an active or practice squad roster after signing as a free agent.

Former Lumberjack Keith O'Neil, who signed and played with the Dallas Cowboys, won a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts. K.J. Gerard (Dolphins) and Daiveun Curry-Chapman (Cardinals) both were cut during the final week of training camp.

NAU Free Agent Signees Since 2000

Preston Parsons, Arizona Cardinals, 2002

Robert Haws, Arizona Cardinals, 2002         

Keith O'Neil, Dallas Cowboys, 2003

Mark Gould, New York Giants, 2004

Jeremy Thornburg, Philadelphia Eagles, 2005

Roger Robinson, Arizona Cardinals, 2005

K.J. Gerard, Baltimore Ravens, 2009

Robbie Dehaze, Atlanta Falcons, 2009

Daiveun Curry-Chapman, Arizona Cardinals, 2011

Matt Estrada, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2011

BOLD indicates made active or practice squad roster