Reports: Iowa's Stross, Richardson get NFL shots; ISU's Brandtner a Jaguar

Former Iowa wide receiver Trey Stross agreed to terms on a free-agent deal with the Houston Texans, according to www.profootballtalk.com.

Stross, an Avon Lake, Ohio native, started 12 games for Iowa last year, catching 31 passes for 414 yards and one touchdown. In his Iowa career he caught 73 passes for 964 yards and seven touchdowns.

The same Web site reported former Iowa State punter Mike Brandtner agreed to a free-agent deal with Jacksonville. Brandtner, a Bettendorf native, punted 66 times last year with a 40.6 yard-per-punt average. He also had 24 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Former Iowa offensive lineman Dace Richardson has earned a tryout with the New York Giants, according to www.nepatriotsdraft.com, a site that compiles information about undrafted free agents. 

Richardson, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound tackle/guard from Wheaton, Ill., suffered several injuries in his career, including a knee reconstruction that cost him nearly two seasons at Iowa. He regained his starting job back in 2009, but suffered a broken leg against Michigan State and misssed Iowa's last four regular-season games. He still garnered all-Big Ten honors despite the injury and played in a reserve role against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl.