Bills sign 4th round-pick Preston

By John Onan  |   Thursday, July 07, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills announced Wednesday that they have signed fourth-round draft pick Duke Preston. Terms were not disclosed, per team policy, but the deal is expected to average roughly $400,000 per year.

Duke Preston was three-year starter at center for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He began his career backing up All-American Luke Butkus, but took over in his Sophomore year after Butkus graduated. Preston became a true workhorse, starting every game from 2002-2004 and never missing any time due to injury. In his final two years with the Illini, Preston allowed only one sack and was a key member of an offense that helped set a school record with 5,356 yards in total offense, an average of 446.3 per game.

His given name is Raymond Preston III, but he goes by the nickname Duke. His father, Raymond II won All-American honors as an offensive lineman at Syracuse. Preston went on to play nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers.
The Bills have high expectations for the younger Preston. He was projected as a late round pick, or possible rookie free agent, but the Buffalo Bills snatched him up in the 4th round.
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