Mike Basile was not selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, was not signed as an undrafted free agent and did not get invited back after a rookie tryout with the Indianapolis Colts in the days following the draft. It seemed as if the NFL dream was over before it even started for the most decorated player in Monmouth University history.

Basile’s career took a dramatic and positive turn on Wednesday, however, when, according to multiple reports, he signed with the New York Giants following a workout with the team. The Giants needed to add a defensive back after releasing Teddy Williams and Basile, the top safety in the FCS last season, is now a New York Giant.

Monmouth University
Monmouth University
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A Brick native who starred at Brick Memorial High School, Basile was a consensus All-American as both a junior and a senior. He is Monmouth’s all-time leading tackler with 433 and was a four-time First Team All-Big South selection, the first four-time all-conference player in Hawks history. He also set the conference record for career solo tackles with 285. He was selected as the 2017 Big South Co-Defensive Player of the Year and named to the FCS ADA All-America Team.

An in-the-box safety with great awareness and tackling ability, Basile also amassed eight interceptions, seven sacks and 22 passes defended while also blocking six kicks during his career.

At Brick Memorial, Basile was a two-time Shore Sports Network First Team All-Shore selection.

The Giants play the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener on Thursday and Basile is expected to suit up for the game. Since Wednesday is a walkthrough day, Basile will not have a practice under his belt and will have to cram quickly to learn as much as he can before the game in case he is called upon.

Basile’s signing gives the Giants two Shore Conference alums on their roster. Tight end Scott Simonson is a Middletown South graduate.

Basile is also the second player with both Shore Conference and Monmouth University ties currently on an NFL roster. Manasquan’s Neal Sterling is a tight end for the New York Jets.

 

Managing editor Bob Badders can be reached at bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.

 

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