SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Quarterback Tommy Hodson, holder of 19 passing records at Louisiana State University and New England's third-round draft pick, signed a three-year contract Thursday with the Patriots.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Hodson will reportedly receive more than $1 million over the length of the contract, plus a signing bonus of $160,000.
The 23-year-old quarterback was a four-year starter at LSU and passed for 9,115 yards and 69 touchdowns while completing 674 of 1,163 pass attempts. The top passer in Southeastern Conference history, Hodson was the only player to pass for more than 2,000 yards in four consecutive seasons.
Hodson is not expected to challenge aging veterans Steve Grogan or Marc Wilson for the starting position but is regarded as the team's quarterback of the future. He is 'a good touch-type passer who makes few mistakes,' according to Joe Mendes, New England's director of player operations.
'Our approach with Tom is long-term. Any contribution he makes towards the success of the New England Patriots in 1990 will be a bonus. We're approaching his rookie season as a red-shirt year and in no way will we rush him and possibly hinder his long-term success,' said Mendes.
The Patriots have only two unsigned draft selections, linebacker Chris Singleton and wide receiver Greg McMurtry. Singleton, who played at Arizona State, was New England's first pick and the eighth player taken overall. McMurtry, who played both football and baseball at Michigan, was New England's other third-round selection.
The only missing veteran is running back Robert Perryman, who is reportedly seeking a raise of more than $500,000 over last year's $160,000 base salary.
The Patriots, who arrived Tuesday at their training camp at Bryant College, underwent physicals on Wednesday and began full-pad workouts Thursday afternoon.
