Kaufmann Sports Management Group Adds Three Top Players to Agency

The summer is always a fluid time in the world of sports, and this summer has been no different for the Chicago-based Kaufmann Sports Management Group. The agency has signed three new clients this summer that will greatly raise the agency’s profile and KSMG principle Scott Rochelle is not shy about his excitement.

“Not only is this group highly talented, but more importantly, each of them is a perfect fit with regard to our representation model,” he said. “Each new client has a relationship with an existing client whether it is as a college teammate or current teammate. It’s a testament to our representation model when clients refer us to their friends and teammates.”

New addition Travis Shelton Sr. was once the favorite target of KSMG client Adam DiMichele at Temple University. The second-year wide receiver/return specialist was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and was also a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This past week, Shelton signed a contract with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League.

Shelton, who is first cousins with NFL wide receiver Devin Hester and linebacker Andre Davis, has blazing speed – a trait that keeps him in high demand by many teams. During Shelton’s senior season in 2008, he led the nation with a kick return average of 31.1 yards. And as a sophomore, he would have ranked No.1 in the nation in all-purpose yards per game had he played in enough games to qualify. His 196.7 all-purpose yards per game was nearly 30 more per game than the national leader, Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois.

“Travis is always going to be highly regarded due to his athleticism and productivity. His college achievements alone made his case for the NFL, but his measurables define him as an elite athlete,” Rochelle said. “Few guys can consistently run the 40-yard dash in the 4.27 to 4.37 range.”

Shelton’s signing in the UFL in only his first week as a KSMG followed a dynamic showing at a private workout with Hartford coaches in Miami. He will attend training camp in the third week of August and looks to prove his case for a return to the NFL after the UFL season is complete.

“We’re excited about the amount of positive feedback we have received from teams in the short amount of time that we have been working with Travis,” Rochelle said. “The Hartford UFL experience should provide him with the pro-level-game opportunities he needs to earn another NFL contract.”

The second new addition is Rigo Morales, current long snapper for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL. The second-year member of the Locomotives is the first time that KSMG has ever represented a long snapper.  

A graduate of Texas A&M Kingsville, Morales attended school as both a football and track scholarship athlete. Following a coaching stint in his home state of Texas in 2009, he participated in a Phoenix free-agent specialist camp run by 13-year NFL special teams coaching veteran Gary Zauner. Morales’ performance earned him a contract with the Locomotives, which went on to win the 2009 UFL Championship. Following an outstanding showing in the 2009 season, his contract was renewed for the 2010 season.

As one of the Top 5 long snappers not in the NFL, Morales, 6-foot-1, 248 pounds, could very well see himself in high demand by NFL teams after the UFL season, especially due to the scarcity of players at his position. In Las Vegas, he will be a key to KSMG client Brooks Rossman’s success as the Locomotives kicker and will also join KSMG client Russ Weil, the team’s fullback.

“Special teams win games, and conversely, if there is a mistake, special teams can lose games as well,” KSMG principle Tom Kaufmann said. “Therefore, there is a premium on specialists, especially long snappers who can get the job done. I am pleased to have Rigo aboard. We have received numerous requests for a long snapper in the past, and I’m looking forward to seeing him flourish this season and beyond.”

The final addition to the KSMG family is second-year defensive tackle Pernell Phillips, who currently is in talks to return to the Sacramento Mountain Lions following his rookie season where he spent time with Cincinnati Bengals before signing with the United Football League. At 6-foot tall, 311 pounds, Phillips totaled 127 tackles (67 solo) with 19.5 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks during his sensational four-year career at Central State University in Ohio.

In 2009, Phillips signed with the Bengals following a dominant showing at their rookie mini-camp. An injury suffered early in training camp kept Phillips out of preseason games, and he was released in time to join the California Redwoods of the UFL where he joined KSMG client Prince Kwateng on one the league’s most dominant defenses.

“Pernell has NFL strength and experience that is rare for most second-year players,” Rochelle said. “We are looking to add some energy to his career and provide the requisite marketing needed to garner the attention of NFL scouts throughout the UFL season.”

It would seem that all three of the new KSMG clients, undoubtedly, have bright futures ahead of them.