The Eagles have given Quentin Gause an opportunity. Those familiar with the former Rutgers linebacker know he'll make the most of it.

Gause will try to earn a spot on the Eagles' roster after they signed him as an undrafted free agent on Saturday, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Gause, 23, progressed steadily during his college career, developing into a starter at strong side linebacker in his final two seasons at Rutgers.

Gause finished second on the team (behind fellow NFL prospect Steve Longa) with 96 tackles last season. The 6-foot, 232-pound Gause had consecutive 15-tackle games against Ohio State and Wisconsin last season.

Gause was a disruptive force against the run, recording 12 tackles for loss. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the media last season.

Gause boosted his NFL profile with a strong showing at Rutgers' pro day on March 9. Gause's pro day results would have ranked fifth in the vertical jump, fourth in the 3-cone drill, third in the 20-yard shuttle, first in the 60-yard shuttle and tied for third in the bench press among linebackers at the Combine.

Gause started 11 games as a redshirt junior in 2014, finishing second on the team with 72 tackles. He earned a role in sub packages in 2013 and recorded 53 tackles in his first season of significant action on defense. Gause was a core special teams player throughout his Rutgers career, appearing in 51 straight games.

Gause's intangibles are off the charts. Voted a team captain as a senior, Gause won the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2015. He overcame a learning disability to become a three-time academic all-conference selection. He earned a degree in journalism and media studies with a 3.28 GPA.

The Rochester, N.Y., native was a semifinalist in 2015 for the Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the best football scholar-athlete in the nation. Gause was a three-star recruit out of Bishop Kearney High.

Wide receiver Leonte Carroo was the only Rutgers player selected in this year's draft.

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.