Former LSU stars Jacob Hester and Jordan Jefferson are among a group of players with local ties trying to make the New Orleans Saints roster during this weekend's rookie minicamp.

There are 37 tryout players in the Saints' rookie camp. Others with local ties: Former Tulane defensive back Derrick Strozier (who is listed as a running back) and former Southeastern Louisiana linebackers Cqulin Hubert and Devan Walker.

There are several other notable players in the tryout list, including former first-round draft pick Jamaal Anderson (defensive lineman from Arkansas), former Carolina Panthers receiver Armanti Edwards and former Florida Atlantic quarterback Rusty Smith.

Hester, who was a third-round draft pick of the Sam Diego Chargers in 2008, played four seasons at fullback with the Chargers before playing one season with the Denver Broncos in 2012. He was not on an active NFL roster in 2013.

Jefferson, a Desterhan resident who played quarterback at LSU, has not played a regular-season game in the NFL. He was signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2012 but did not stay on the roster long. He did participate in LSU's most recent pro day.

Saints Coach Sean Payton said Saturday that the Saints saw Jefferson work out at LSU's precent Pro Day and that he took part in the Saints' local pro day before the draft.

"He's athletic, he's big, he's picked things up well," Payton said. "There's still things to work on with his foot mechaincs, his drop mechanics."

Said Jefferson: "I am surrounded by a great group of guys, I've gotten to know some of these guys in the locker room and they're great guys. ... I think this is a great opportunity especially with me being a hometown kid. I've always grown up watching the Saints so this is a great opportunity for me."

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