The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Friday that they've signed a rookie free agent lineman out of Vanderbilt for the second straight season.
A year ago it was Spencer Pulley, who enters 2017 a key part of the team's offensive line after a strong rookie campaign. The Bolts hope lightning strikes twice as they've brought in his replacement at Vanderbilt, Barrett Gouger.
The 6-4, 310-pound guard/center started all 12 games at center in 2016 for the Commodores after spending his first three seasons at guard. He anchored an offensive line that helped running back Kyle Shurmur emerge as the school's all-time leading rusher. With Gouger in the middle, Vanderbilt ranked among the best in red-zone efficiency, scoring on 43-of-46 possessions inside the 20.
In a corresponding move, the team announced they've waived-injured C Dillon DeBoer.