Football | 8/3/2011 12:30:00 PM

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Demario Ballard and JT Gilmore have both been signed to undrafted free agent deals in the National Football League. Ballard will be joining the Detroit Lions, while Gilmore goes to the Minnesota Vikings. Ballard, inked his deal with the Lions late last week, while Gilmore signed on Sunday.

Ballard, who played his junior and senior seasons with Western Oregon, accumulated 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns during his tenure in Monmouth. During his final season he had 35 receptions for 620 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-7, 220 lbs., wide receiver from Thomson, Ga., transferred to Western Oregon after playing two seasons at College of the Siskiyous.

"Demario is a big receiver with soft hands and the ability to go up and get the ball," said Western Oregon head coach Arne Ferguson. "His size gives him the chance to make it in the NFL, because of the match-up problems he presents.

"He was one of the hardest workers to come through Western Oregon," Ferguson continued. "He developed and learned the game while here, which speaks to both his work ethic and the coaching staff."

Gilmore, was a solid force as a middle linebacker for the Wolves' defense for three seasons. He still ranks 10th in Wolves history in career tackles with 253, in just three seasons. This native of Lincoln City, Ore. (Taft High School) also is second in the school record books with 122 stops in a season.

"JT has worked hard on his speed and his strength during his time at Western Oregon," Ferguson explained. "He always believed that he could make it in the NFL given the opportunity. He trusts his ability and rises to the competition. This transition (to the NFL) will let us see his best performance."

Gilmore and Ballard are the first Wolves to receive an NFL deal since Kevin Boss was selected in the fifth round of the 2007 draft by the New York Giants.