Lions Sign Ex-Irish QB Powlus

The Detroit Lions signed former Notre Dame quarterback Ron Powlus on Friday.

After ending his high-profile career at Notre Dame, where he set 16 school records, Powlus wasn't selected in the NFL draft in April 1998.

He spent the preseason with the Tennessee Oilers before being released in August, and was working in the Harrisburg, Pa., statehouse before getting the call in December to join the St. Louis Rams' practice squad.

Powlus passed for 7,602 yards and 52 touchdowns during his four years as starting quarterback with the Irish.

The Lions finished last season with rookie Charlie Batch as their starting quarterback. Batch was backed up by Frank Reich and Scott Mitchell.

©1999 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed