After acing this weekend’s audition, former University of Hawaii football player Charles Clay received — and signed — a free-agent contract with the Green Bay Packers.

"It’s surreal," said Clay, a UH and Hilo High graduate.

Clay, who completed his UH career in December, was not selected in this year’s NFL Draft.

But he was invited as a tryout player to the Packers’ rookie mini-camp this past weekend. He competed at cornerback, safety and nickelback.

On Saturday, he signed a three-year contract — standard for an undrafted free agent — with only the signing bonus guaranteed. (Clay was told not to confirm the signing until Monday.)

If Clay makes the Packers’ 53-player roster, he will be paid the rookie minimum salary of $420,000.

Clay is enrolled in the Packers’ rookie-orientation program. He will train and participate in organized-team activities through mid-June. There will be a three-week break ahead of the opening of training camp in mid-July.

The process that led to Clay’s signing can be traced to his mother’s Google search.

In December, Jelena Clay was searching for a way to produce and distribute her son’s highlight video. She called Patrick Toland, who runs a football-video service in Shrewsbury, N.J. During the conversation, Toland recommended John Perez as an agent. Toland works on websites for Perez Sports Associates.

After reviewing Clay’s videos, Perez noticed similarities to one of his clients, fullback Jamize Olawale of the Oakland Raiders. Both players are former wide receivers. Both went through coaching changes. Clay, who began his career at Southern Methodist, transferred to UH in 2011. At the end of that season, Norm Chow replaced Greg McMackin as UH’s head coach.

Perez then pieced together a plan for Clay.

Perez recalled telling Clay: "I think you’ll get interest if you hit A, B, C."

At the NFL scouting combine in February, Perez and Green Bay officials discussed Clay. At UH’s pro day in March, Clay was officially timed at 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash. The Packers timed Clay at 4.42 seconds.

"The Packers have one of the best scouting departments," Perez said. "If you’re an athlete, they might be able to coach you and find a position that fits. He’s a tremendous kid with a great work ethic. He comes from a great family. He fits the mold of what the Packers want to do there."

Perez said this is just the first step.

"He’s in the building," Perez said. "The toughest challenge is now. It’s extremely difficult to get there. It’s harder to stay. But he’s a guy I know who will give every ounce of effort. I’m thrilled for him and his family."

Clay said: "The opportunity is in front of me. I have to go and get it."