BEAUMONT — Lamar University wide receiver Sevonne Rhea has been invited to attend a mini-camp with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, team officials announced Saturday evening. Rhea is the second Cardinal player in 2025 to receive such an invitation, following running back Khalan Griffin, who was invited by the Las Vegas Raiders. Rhea is set to report to the Panthers’ camp on May 9.
“I give all glory to Jehovah for this opportunity. I’m very blessed,” Rhea said. “I’m just happy for how it all came together. I’m looking forward to getting to camp and giving everything I have and show what I can do. I want to leave my mark.”
Rhea, a three-year letterwinner, transferred to Lamar from Texas State before the 2022 season and quickly became one of the league’s top big-play threats. In his first season with the Cardinals, he played in and started 10 games, catching 24 passes for a team-high 448 yards and a touchdown. Rhea also excelled as one of the Southland Conference’s top return specialists.
Throughout his career, Rhea played in 29 games, making 27 starts. He recorded 70 receptions for 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a junior, he returned from injury midway through the season and was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week after catching six passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns in his first game back.