Former John Carroll University All-American kick and punt returner David Ziegler has been promoted to a key front office position with the New England Patriots

In January, Patriots Director of Pro Scouting Bob Quinn decided to leave club after 12 seasons to become the Detroit Lions' new General Manager. As expected, Ziegler -- who was Quinn's former assistant -- was tapped to fill the position.

Ziegler joined the Patriots in 2013 after originally entering the NFL in 2010 as a member of the Denver Broncos' scouting department. The Broncos' head coach at that time was former and current Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who is also a graduate of John Carroll and former Blue Streak football player.

Overall, the Patriots have seven John Carroll alums on their staff, including three in prominent roles: McDaniels, Ziegler and Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio. Jerry Schuplinski, Nick Caley, Frank Ross and D.J. Debick also graduated from the university near Cleveland, Ohio.

A link to the article that speaks to the Ziegler promotion and JCU-New England "pipeline" can be found below

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4790629/dave-ziegler-rises-to-pro-personnel-director-with-new-england-patriots