NATCHITOCHES – All-American and Academic All-American Northwestern State tight end Justin Aldredge, who projects as a fullback in pro football, has been invited by the New Orleans Saints to participate next weekend in their first mini-camp.

Aldredge has not signed a free agent contract and could do so with another NFL team, but if not, the 5-11, 232-pounder will head to New Orleans to work out with the Saints. A versatile athlete, Aldredge (5-11, 232) was an undersized tight end for the Demons, starting his final three years on offense after playing linebacker as a freshman. A special teams standout, he is a rugged, physical player with great hands and athleticism.

A magna cum laude graduate in business/accounting (3.90 grade point average) who was first-team Capital One Academic All-America and made the Beyond Sports Network FCS All-America team, Aldredge is the top receiving tight end in school history and 11th overall with 86 catches for 1,131 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 13.2 yards per catch. He added 13 rushing attempts for 59 yards and two touchdowns, one a 33-yarder from the tailback slot to clinch a win last fall at Texas State.

As a senior Aldredge led the Demons in catches (39) and receiving yards (514), ranking in the top 10 in Southland Conference in both categories. He ended his career with streak of at least one reception in 15 consecutive games and grabs in 32 of his 33 games (all starts) at tight end.