Former Arizona long-snapper Garon McHone impressed scouts at the UA's pro timing day with his total of 30 reps in the 225-pound bench press. He is talking with the Packers, among other teams.

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UA long-snapper Garon McHone was realistic a month ago when analyzing his chances of playing in the NFL.

"I'm not going to sit there and tell people I'm first-round material," he said. "I just want to get a shot."

McHone could get his chance today. The former walk-on is closing in on a free-agent contract and an invitation to a minicamp with an NFL team. McHone said Monday that he is considering a handful of teams, including the Packers.

"I should know very soon," he said.

McHone, 23, was one of four former Arizona Wildcats closing in on pro contracts Monday.

According to the UA football offices, defensive end Louis Holmes agreed in principle to a deal with the 49ers, while fellow pass-rusher Jason Parker signed with the Chiefs.

Linebacker Dane Krogstad will fly to Cleveland soon to meet with Browns officials. Depending on what happens there, Krogstad could sign a free-agent deal.

Most NFL teams are expected to unveil their list of free-agent signings starting today.

San Francisco officials likely see untapped potential in Holmes, a 6-foot-6-inch, 265-pounder who filled out a uniform better than a stat sheet during his time in Tucson. Holmes, 23, never lived up to expectations after signing with Arizona as the nation's top-ranked junior college player in 2006.

Parker, 23, had a different career arc. He arrived at Arizona as a relative unknown before earning a starting job as a senior.

Krogstad, 23, was Arizona's starting strong-side linebacker for three years. He started seven games as a senior, posting 51 tackles.

McHone, meanwhile, led the Wildcats in good buzz.

He was named best long-snapper at a prestigious special teams camp last summer. He wowed pro scouts during last month's pro timing day by putting up 30 repetitions in the 225-pound bench press. No UA player had more.

If he signs with Green Bay, McHone will compete to replace Rob Davis, who retired last month after 12 seasons with the team.

More former Cats — including safety Dominic Patrick, tailback Chris Jennings, defensive tackle Yaniv Barnett and offensive tackle Peter Graniello — are expected to pursue free-agent deals.

● Linebacker Spencer Larsen's sixth-round selection may have been a sign of good things to come. Larsen is the 14th UA linebacker to be selected by an NFL team since 1978, and the fourth to be taken in the sixth round.

The three other sixth-round players spent a combined 16 seasons in the NFL: Brant Boyer played 10 seasons after being taken by the Dolphins in 1994. Danny Lockett played two seasons with the Lions after being taken in 1987 draft; John Kaiser played four years with the Seahawks and the Bills after being taken in 1984.

● First-round pick Antoine Cason could soon find himself in the Chargers' starting lineup. Team officials said over the weekend that Cason will likely start at nickel back — alongside cornerbacks Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie — as a rookie. Cason will wear jersey No. 20 for the Bolts; he wore No. 5 at the UA.