Jason Vander Laan

Jason Vander Laan

(AP file)

Jason Vander Laan, Ferris State's most decorated football player ever, has resurfaced with another shot in the NFL.

Vander Laan, who played quarterback in college, signed Tuesday to the New York Jets' 10-man practice squad. He was also with the team as an undrafted free agent as a tight end in training camp before he was cut.

Vander Laan was a two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner as a four-year standout at Ferris State. He concluded his career as college football's all-time leader in rushing yards (5,953) by a quarterback. He's the first player in NCAA history to run and pass for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons.

After he was signed in late June, Jets coach Todd Bowles said of the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Vander Laan:

"He has some toughness, he has things on film. I think a lot of people convert and project. Some people use basketball guys, some people use big quarterbacks from smaller schools. We saw something in him that we wanted to see if we had the ability to learn it, and the ability to grow and get better at it."

The Jets are currently 4-10 with a game Saturday at New England Patriots.

Vander Laan is the third player from last year's Ferris State to be on a NFL team. Receiver Jake Lampman has been with the New Orleans Saints all season, while defensive lineman Justin Zimmer was signed to the Saints' practice squad last week.