SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Detroit Lions have reached a rookie free agent agreement with former Wofford offensive lineman Pat Illig. Last season Illig earned All-America honors and was the recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the Southern Conference.

Illig, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, started 36 of 49 career games played for Wofford, primary at left guard. In 2009 he was named to the All-Southern Conference first team as the Terriers were second in the nation in rushing offense.

As a senior in 2010, Illig was part of an offensive line that paved the way for 297.7 rushing yards per game which led the nation. At the end of the season, Illig was named a second team All-American by the Associated Press and a first team All-American by the Sports Network and Phil Steele. He became only the third player in school history to receive the Jacobs Blocking trophy.

Illig graduated in May with a degree in accounting. He was also named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll four times.

The Lions are slated to begin training camp on Thursday, July 28 with their first practice scheduled the following day in Allen Park, Michigan.

This will be the first time since 1961 that three former Wofford football players have been in an NFL training camp in the same season. Illig joins defensive back Tommy Irvin, who will be in camp with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Andy Strickland.