Former Catholic High and UL football star Peter LeBlanc is competing for a spot on an NFL roster.

LeBlanc, 23, was the only wide receiver among nine undrafted free agents to sign with the Chicago Bears, who held their first rookie minicamp last week. CBS Sports estimates that an average of 15-20 undrafted rookies make an NFL roster each year.

The Bears drafted Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams with the overall number one pick and added University of Washington receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth pick. USA Today described Chicago’s receiving corps as “dangerously thin.”

Chicago’s three-day minicamp ran from Thursday to Saturday and included a total of 43 players: their five draft picks, LeBlanc and the other eight free agent signees, and a large group of unsigned rookies and veterans.

“I know it’s a dream come true for him,” said Brent Indest, who coached LeBlanc at CHS. “It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime. One thing I know about Peter is he is going to give it everything.”

Indest said the Bears can bring in a total of 90 players before eventually cutting the final roster to 53. Another 16 will make the practice roster during the season. The minimum salary for an NFL practice squad player is $12,000/week. Rookies on the active roster make at least $795,000/year.

“The odds tend to be long to make a roster as an undrafted free agent, but that’s why they bring them in – to help practice and find a diamond in the rough,” Indest said.

LeBlanc, who is listed as No. 82 on the Bears’ roster, caught a minimum of 22 passes in each of five seasons at UL. He finished his career with 140 receptions for 1,737 yards and 11 touchdowns, including a career-high 468 yards as a senior.

“He’s played at a high level for years in college,” Indest said. “Peter checks every box when it comes to doing things the right way and being disciplined. He’s physical enough to run with those guys.”

At CHS, LeBlanc was a first-team all-state selection as a senior after accumulating 1,300 combined yards rushing and receiving with 17 touchdowns. As a junior, he caught 36 passes for 793 yards and 10 TDs while leading the Panthers to a state title.

The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder was state champion in the 300-meter hurdles and second in the triple jump at the 2019 Class 2A outdoor track and field meet.

“Peter was a jack of all trades for us his last year,” Indest said. “He and Trey Amos split reps at cornerback. What set him apart and endeared him to colleges was his ability to be a hybrid runner, receiver and tight end.

“At wingback, we had the option to give him the ball on a speed sweep or a cross-counter play. At that position, you have to be able to block like a tight end. He was extra physical blocking at the line of scrimmage.”