Council Rock-North product Hamilton getting shot with Eagles at safety

Safety Ryan Hamilton, a former Council Rock North star, was on the field at NovaCare yesterday wearing jersey No. 48, just a few days after being released by the Saints.

Hamilton said the Birds, his favorite team growing up, inquired about signing him in the hours after last month's NFL draft, but he already had signed with the Saints. The opportunity for Hamilton to play near home arose again after injuries to some offensive performers led New Orleans to want to bring in reinforcements - something that required them to make cuts elsewhere.

"I was the only rookie" at the safety position, where New Orleans is pretty well stocked, Hamilton said.

Hamilton (6-2, 210) started 34 consecutive games at Vanderbilt, his best year coming as a junior when he posted career highs in tackles (104), tackles for a loss (4 1/2) and interceptions (three).

"I came over here yesterday, did a workout for the coaches, signed immediately after that," Hamilton said after his first rookie-camp workout. "I'm just trying to pick everything up as quick as I can, trying to catch up to all the guys that have been here a while . . . I've always taken a lot of pride in being a good student of the game, so I expect to catch up pretty quick."

The Eagles released corner Josh Morris, a rookie free agent from Weber State.