What to know about newest Patriots signee Gunner Olszewski

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - During Thursday's OTA practice at Gillette Stadium, there was one player who was on the field with the New England Patriots, but was not on the roster. He was wearing the number 72, but no one outside of the team knew what his name was.

Later in the day, the Patriots announced they had signed WR/PR Gunner Olszewski, an undrafted free agent out of Div. 2 Bemidji State.

You're probably wondering who he is.

Here's some background info on the Div. 2 standout and why the Patriots may have given him an invite to spring practices.

Olszewski was an all-time great at Bemidji State University

Olszewski, a former defensive back for the Beavers was named the 2018 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Defensive Player of the Year, along with First Team All-NSIC North Division on both defense and special teams, American Football Coaches Association All-America First Team, Don Hansen All-America Second Team, and D2Football.com All-America Second Team during his senior year. The former DB finished the 2018 season with 63 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups and 1.5 tackles for losses.

The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the best football players to ever play at BSU. He was named to the all-conference team six times in his collegiate career and was second all-time at Bemidji State with 13 interceptions and 923 punt return yards He also holds the school record with 183 solo tackles.

Olszewski was a multi-sport athlete, also playing baseball for BSU as a catcher and outfielder. He was named to the 2017 All-NSIC First Team and earned Second Team honors as a freshman.

Why did the Patriots give him an invite?

His ability to play multiple sports at a high level may be a part of the reason why New England took a flyer on him. He has no experience as a wide receiver, but the Patriots may be able to mold him into one. That, along with his punt return capabilities and what would likely be a very cheap price tag if they decided to sign him, gives multiple reasons as to why he finds himself practicing with the Super Bowl LIII champions this spring.