BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford defensive lineman Brandon Wilkinson has been invited to the Oakland Raiders minicamp, which will take place this weekend.
 
"I just feel truly blessed," Wilkinson said. "This is a great opportunity and I know the Lord has a plan for me. I feel blessed to be in this position."
 
Wilkinson said he will travel to Oakland later this week, and he will participate in the minicamp on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
 
Wilkinson becomes the second player from the 2014 Samford squad to earn a chance with an NFL team. Safety Jaquiski Tartt was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers Friday evening,
 
As a senior in 2014, Wilkinson started all 11 games on the Samford defensive line. He had 30 tackles, including 23 solo stops and 7.0 tackles for loss. He also added a sack and two pass break-ups in 2014.
 
In 2013, Wilkinson helped lead the Bulldogs to their first Southern Conference championship and first appearance in the Division I-FCS Playoffs since 1992. Wilkinson had 23 tackles and 4.5 sacks as a junior in 2013.
 
Wilkinson transferred to Samford in 2011 after redshirting one season at the University of South Florida. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Wilkinson played in 35 games in four seasons at Samford. He tallied 72 tackles, including 47 solo stops. He finished his career with 14.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks.