Football
4/30/2024 10:01:58 PM

MADISON, Wis.–Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offensive lineman Mike Bertoia and UW-Platteville defensive lineman Justin Blazek will continue their football career in National Football League camps.

 

Bertoia has been invited to the Green Bay Packers Rookie Mini-Camp scheduled for May 2, while Blazek signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals and will participate in OTAs in May.

Bertoia, a native of Lake Zurich, Ill., was named first team to three NCAA Division III All-America Teams in 2023, including American Football Coaches (AFCA), Associated Press (AP) and D3football.com. He was also named to the D3football.com All-Region VI First Team. Bertoia was selected to the 2022 D3football.com All-America Second Team.

Voted to the All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) First Team for the third straight year, Bertoia started all 13 games this season at right tackle. He allowed one sack this season. He helped UWL average 39.3 points per game in 2023, second in the WIAC.  The Eagles averaged 473.9 yards per game this year, including 190.6 rushing and 283.3 passing.  UWL set season-single school records in scoring (511 points), total offense (6,161 yards), passing yards (3,683) and touchdowns (43) and first downs (300). The team’s 2,478 rushing yards ranks fourth in school history.

Blazek put together a fantastic career at UW-Platteville that saw him earn multiple All-America and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Following the 2023 season, Blazek was named American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, and D3football.com First Team All-America, along with region and conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.

 

The Naperville, Ill., native finished with 19.5 sacks, 37.0 tackles for loss, 161 tackles, and four interceptions during his time with the Pioneers, including 8.5 sacks and 17.0 tackles for loss in his final season.

 

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