OBR subscribers are already aware of several of these players, but the Browns today have made their signings official. Here is the team's press release:
The Cleveland Browns today signed free agent defensive lineman Kwaku (pronounced: KWAY-koo) Danso, defensive back Matthew Harris, tight end Ryan Moya, defensive lineman Brian Sanford, defensive lineman Martin Tavaseu (pronounced: TAY-vah-SAY-ewe) and kicker Leigh Tiffin, the team announced. All six players participated in the Browns’ rookie minicamp from April 30-May 1 on a tryout basis.
A walk-on at East Carolina University (2007-09), Danso appeared in three games as a reserve defensive lineman. He graduated from the prestigious Opoku Ware School in Kumasi, the capital city of the Ashanti Region of Ghana (Africa). Born March 17, 1982, the 6-5, 336 pounder is a native of Kumasi, Ghana.
Harris appeared in 28 games with 14 starts at the University of Arkansas (2006-09), recording 130 career tackles and two interceptions. As a senior, Harris finished fourth on the team with 71 tackles and one interception. He is the son of Cliff Harris who was named to six Pro Bowls as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Born December 9, 1986, the 6-2, 193 pounder hails from Richardson, Texas where he attended Pearce High School.
Moya finished his UCLA (2005-06, 08-09) career ranked third all-time among Bruin tight ends with 78 catches. In 43 career games, he totaled 832 receiving yards with six touchdowns and averaged 10.7 yards per reception. Moya earned Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention honors as a senior. Born October 14, 1986, the 6-1, 230 pound Moya is a native of El Dorado Hills, Calif., where he attended Oak Ridge High School.
Sanford appeared in 43 games at Temple University (2006-09). He posted 86 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and blocked one field goal. Born September 12, 1987, the 6-2, 280 pounder is a native of Hartford, Conn., where he attended Hartford Public High School.
Tavaseu appeared in 24 games at UNLV (2008-09), recording 48 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. He turned in two playing stints at Santa Rosa Junior College (2005, 07) after a leg injury cost him the 2006 campaign. He earned first team all-league honors at the junior college level. Born October 7, 1987, the 6-1, 310 pounder hails from Booneville, Cailf, where he attended Anderson Valley High School.
While at the University of Alabama (2006-09), Tiffin was a two-time semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation's top place-kicker. He connected on 87 career field goals, including 31 in 2009. Tiffin finished as Alabama’s career leader with 347 points. Born August 3, 1988, the 6-0, 209 pound Tiffin attended Muscle Shoals High School in Muscle Shoals, Ala.