The New England Patriots announced today that they have signed four rookie free agents: RB Terrell Jennings, G Ryan Johnson, LB Jay Person and Australian DE Jotham Russell. The Patriots will receive a roster exemption for Russell as an International Pathway Program player. All four players attended the Patriots rookie mini-camp this past weekend.

In a corresponding move, the Patriots released veteran running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.

Terrell Jennings, 23, played in 44 games at Florida A&M. He finished his career with 281 rushing attempts for 1,860 yards and 24 touchdowns. The 6-foot-0, 217-pounder, played in all 13 games last season and rushed for 704 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Ryan Johnson, 23, has played both guard and tackle during his college career. The 6-foot-2, 306-pounder began his college career at Duquesne (2019-20), before transferring to Youngstown State. He started 13 games at guard last season for Youngstown State. 

Jay Person, 24, began his college career at Appalachian State in 2018 before transferring to Chattanooga. The 6-foot-2, 237-pounder, played in 51 games during his college career and finished with 233 total tackles, 26½ sacks, 6 passes defensed, 9 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. In his final season at Chattanooga, he played in 12 games and racked up 56 total tackles, 9½ sacks, 1 pass defensed and 3 forced fumbles. He was a force. 

Jotham Russell, 20, is an Australian rugby player who will play defensive end. The 6-foot-4, 239-pounder, played for the Currumbin Eagles and Tweed Seagulls under 21 team and was selected for the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

All four made enough of an impression to move forward and get another opportunity to go to camp in July and compete for a roster spot.