HARRISBURG -- The pros passed on Ray Wagner.
But the record-setting quarterback from Susquehanna Township still has plans to continue his football career.
Wagner, who recently graduated from East Stroudsburg University, is headed to Finland to play for the Porvoo Butchers, one of the most successful franchises at Finland's highest level of American professional football.
"The way I look at it, it's a free summer in Europe right after I graduate," joked Wagner, who majored in business management. "I don't have to move onto the real world yet."
Wagner's also hoping the experience allows him to play football closer to home again.
Despite being a candidate for the Harlon Hill Award -- the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy -- in his only season as a starter at ESU, he drew little interest from scouts.
"I made as many highlight films as I could, I sent them to the NFL, CFL (canadian Football League) and the Arena League, as well," said Wagner, who was the only quarterback in college football in 2011 with two 500-yard passing games.
He was also the first quarterback in PSAC history with back-to-back 500-yard passing games.
The Butchers claimed six straight league championships from 2005-2010, winning the title game known as the 'Maple Bowl.'
"We'll run the same offense as I ran at East Stroudsburg which will help me out a lot," said Wagner, who leaves for Finland on Wednesday. "The coach wants me to help the players develop and help develop schemes."
Some video used in this story is courtesy of Blue Ridge Cable 13.
