BISMARCK, N.D. – One of the top defensive players in University of Mary history has earned a shot in the National Football League. Former Marauders defensive lineman John Oyloe received an invitation to attend the Minnesota Vikings rookie mini camp, which begins this Thursday and runs through Sunday in Eden Prairie, Minn.
 
 Should Oyloe impress the Vikings front office and coaching staff, he could be offered a free agent contract with the squad.
 
The 6-5, 260-pound native of Williston, N.D., was a three-time All-Northern Sun performer for the Marauders, garnering first team honors as a junior and senior after earning second team honors as a sophomore. 
 
Oyloe concluded his career in 2013 as U-Mary's all-time tackles for loss leader with 41. He finished second in career sacks with 27.5. A team captain, Oyloe was named a Capital One Academic All-American during his senior year, a first for U-Mary.
 
As a senior last fall, Oyloe recorded 8.5 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss, along with 54 tackles. He was third in the league in sacks.
 
In 2012 as a junior, Oyloe posted 10 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and 69 total tackles. He registered six sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and 58 tackles as a sophomore in 2011 and three sacks, four tackles for loss and 15 total tackles during his freshman season of 2010. A tight end as a redshirt freshman before moving to defense, Oyloe recorded two interceptions and scored a touchdown in his career. He also blocked several kicks.
 
Oyloe is the third U-Mary football player to receive an NFL tryout in the last four years. Defensive lineman EJ Reid earned a tryout and eventually a contract with the St. Louis Rams in 2010 and running back Josh Murray had a tryout with the Vikings in 2012.
 
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