Alabama A&M defensive tackle Frank Kearse has conducted private workouts for the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and the St. Louis Rams, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
Kearse is emerging as a commodity for 3-4 defenses because of his capability to anchor at the line of scrimmage.
According to a league source with knowledge of the situation, Kearse is also drawing interest from the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots.
He has conducted an individual workout for the Steelers.
The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder is also on the radar of the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints.
A native of Savannah, Ga., Kearse was an offensive lineman in high school who was recruited by Georgia, Georgia Southern and Central Florida before winding up at A&M after some academic issues endangered his eligibility.
Fifteen teams attended his Pro Day workout where he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.2 and 5.3 seconds and recorded a 30-inch vertical leap, an 8-7 broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times.
The All-SWAC defensive lineman posted a 4.66 in the short shuttle and a 7.8 in the three-cone drill.
Kearse played in the Texas vs. the Nation game, the HBCU Bowl and was named a team captain and second-team All-SWAC. As a senior, he posted 30 tackles, 14 for losses, one sack and two forced fumbles.
As a junior, he registered 33 tackles, 12 for losses, 3 1/2 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.
As a sophomore, Kearse had 30 tackles, 3 1/2 for losses, one sack, two interceptions and a pass deflection.
