Colts

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SIGN FOUR DRAFT PICKS

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:38:00 GMT

The Indianapolis Colts today signed four draft picks, including fifth round selection (170th overall) Vick Ballard, sixth round choice (206th overall) LaVon Brazill, seventh round selection (214th overall) Tim Fugger and seventh round choice (253rd overall) Chandler Harnish.

In 25 games (23 starts) at Mississippi State, Ballard totaled 379 carries for 2,157 yards and 29 touchdowns, adding 30 catches for 293 yards and two scores. Prior to his arrival at MSU, he performed in 23 games for Mississippi Gulf Coast College, where he racked up 2,283 yards and 34 touchdowns on 381 rushes. Last season with the Bulldogs, Ballard was selected as an All-SEC second-team choice after he placed fourth on the school’s single-season records list with 1,189 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Last season, Brazill earned All-MAC second-team honors while being named the Most Valuable Player of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. He finished his career at Ohio University having caught 187 receptions for 2,515 yards (13.4 avg.) and 18 touchdowns while adding 31 rushes for 239 yards and one touchdown.

At Vanderbilt, Fugger started 47 of 53 collegiate contests and recorded 90 tackles. In 2011, he earned honorable mention All-SEC honors from the Associated Press. Fugger also ranked among the SEC’s top 10 defensive ends in both quarterback sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (13.5) while contributing with a team-high three forced fumbles.

Harnish was the final selection of the 2012 NFL Draft, better known as the “Mr. Irrelevant” pick. At Northern Illinois, he set 30 school passing, rushing and total offense records in his four years as the Huskies’ starting quarterback. Harnish was a three-time Academic All-MAC selection and was a first-team All-MAC choice in each of his last two seasons. He also led NIU to a 22-5 record in his final two seasons as a starter.

HUGHES AIMS FOR IMPACT

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:37:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – Jerry Hughes is like other Colts veterans, he is learning a new defensive system under the scrutiny of a new football regime.

Hughes joined the Colts as a first-round pick in 2010, the 31st selection overall, and he has started one of 24 appearances in the last two seasons.

The TCU product from Sugar Land, Texas has not made the impact he had intended when joining Indianapolis, but Hughes is well aware of the opportunity at hand with a new program and a fresh set of coaches to impress. He feels his spring work is beneficial.

“It’s going very smooth,” said Hughes of the off-season work he has done for the past month. “I had an opportunity to come in early and get my hands on the playbook, speak with the coaches and work with them. It’s kind of making the transition very easy.”

Hughes has totaled 15 tackles, 10 solo, and one sack while playing as a reserve defensive end during his first two seasons. He was tied for third on the squad last year with seven special teams takedowns.

Finding consistent playing time defensively has not happened quickly, but Hughes is learning a scheme that is trending toward a 3-4 look. He is being pushed like other Colts veterans who are adapting to the changes as well. Hughes is positive about the new concepts and hopes for a chance to prove himself in action.

“I’m never opposed to learning new things,” said Hughes. “You always try to be open-minded. I always like learning new things and going over new (principles). You gain more knowledge with (that approach).

“With the new staff, you kind of get a fresh start. You have a fresh set of eyes looking at you. You’re out there working and trying to impress them. You want to show them what you’re capable of doing.”

Players taken high in a draft can endure a closer watch than some others. When results do not match the expectations of observers, analysis happens. Hughes has been the periodic recipient of that treatment during his first two years, but Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky says 2012 is opportunity for everyone.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t care what has happened in the past with any of these players, personally,” said Manusky. “It is a clean slate, and I told them that the very first day.

“Number one, I don’t know you personally. Number two, I don’t know what was taught here before, that is fine and that was a great system and they had a lot of success with it, but let’s transform ourselves into a system from a 3-4 perspective. From them, they are doing a lights out job.”

When queried on if he thought he needs a fresh start, Hughes is not defiant. He aims to earn the chance to display his wares.

“I personally don’t feel I have a need to have a new start. Having a chance to start myself and get out there in the crossfire by actually playing a full 16 games, I haven’t gotten the opportunity to do so,” said Hughes. “I’m just looking at it as a start with a new coaching staff. I want to get to know them, get to know my playbook first and foremost. Once I do that, I look forward to showing the coaches what I’m able to do.”

General Manager Ryan Grigson has noted the attitude and work of Hughes, and he sees talent and the nature to learn his craft.

“Jerry has done some good things. The athletic ability is there,” said Grigson. “The willingness to learn is there, too. He’s learning the nuances of his position and the techniques involved in playing it. We’re optimistic. I liked Jerry coming out of college. I don’t care about last year or what have you. The time is now. We have mini-camp and training camp to gauge where people are. All you can do is hope that everyone improves and that they’re ready when the lights come on. (We want players) to be at their best in preseason.”

Hughes believes his maturation includes more power and a better physique. Many players to mature from year one to year two in their careers, and Hughes is seeing that progress in himself. He also notes the approach of veterans around him.

“I think I am stronger and leaner than before,” said Hughes. “I am doing little things that I really didn’t think about as a rookie or in my second year, things like eating (correctly), getting in the cold tub and taking care of my body. There are little things (maintenance-wise) that can help you extend your career.

“There are things to learn on and off the field. Then you have great veterans to follow like Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, guys you observe on how they approach the game. You see them taking care of themselves off the field and before practices with stretching. You see how serious they are in preparation, and you take note of their leadership. It makes you better. You prepare much more in advance.”

In year three, Hughes now is on his second coordinator and position coach. Manusky is joined by Gary Emanuel, the club’s new line coach. Hughes likes the approach of the staff and for how it is trying to maximize the abilities of each player.

“They’re putting people in positions to be successful,” said Hughes. “Coaches are being smart, and they are working with you. I like the approach. All you can do it take it and run with it. I am all in.”

FIRST ORGANIZED WEEK CONCLUDED

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – Under sunny skies on Wednesday morning, Indianapolis concluded its third organized team activity (OTA) of the off-season.

The full-team practices held Monday through Wednesday marked the start of phase three work for players this off-season, a process that started about a month ago and will run through the middle of June.

NFL teams have a roster size of 90 players this time of year, and Indianapolis had the large majority of its players participating this week. The OTAs are the first time the Colts are able to convene veterans and rookies in practice sessions.

“Great energy, great enthusiasm. Obviously, the attendance is phenomenal,” said Head Coach Chuck Pagano of the OTA work. “You can see on both sides of the ball and (on) special teams, everyone is out here and getting better.

“My hat is off again to these guys. They’re busting their tails. To have the leadership, having the old vets, so to speak, going through everything it just shows their passion and what they want to accomplish this season.”

Pagano and his staff have been installing new offensive and defensive schemes, and special teams have not been excluded in overhauling how the team will attack in 2012. Among the 17 new coaches this year are special teams coaches Marwan Maalouf and Brant Boyer. No area of the squad is being overlooked, and Pagano is pleased with his team’s execution and attention to detail.

“They’re working the fundamentals. They’re working the techniques,” said Pagano. “The communication is getting better. We’re working on a ton of situational stuff. We did third-down on Monday, the two-minute drill on Tuesday. (Wednesday), we spent a good amount of time in the red area. We’re making progress.”

Nearly 80 of the team’s players were active in Wednesday’s practice. There are nine veterans on roster who are heading into at least a seventh year in the league, and all nine participated in Wednesday’s practice – Adam Vinatieri (17 years), Antoine Bethea (7), Justin Snow (13), Winston Justice (7), Reggie Wayne (12), Cory Redding (10), Dwight Freeney (11), Brandon McKinney (7) and Robert Mathis (10).

The OTA practices allow rookies who have completed academic work to participate. Three players, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and wide receiver Griff Whalen and Ohio wide receiver LaVon Brazill, are not present because of that circumstance. The trio will re-join the team around June 8.

Queried on the progress of Luck, Pagano says the verbal flow of information is smooth as the draft’s top pick is concluding his degree work in Palo Alto.

“Obviously, (we have) constant communication. We’re talking back and forth,” said Pagano. “He was able to take some stuff with him. Besides school, he’s spending time with Griff (Griff Whalen) out there and couple of his other teammates.

“He does football in the morning. He goes out there, throws, works out. He’s staying on top of everything. He’s on point. He does his couple of classes. As a matter of fact, last night he called me and it’s killing him not to be here. He’s dying to get out here. He’s doing well.”

Indianapolis was working with two quarterbacks in Wednesday’s practice, Drew Stanton and Trevor Vittatoe. Stanton and Vittatoe split the work while seventh-round pick Chandler Harnish was a spectator due to a knee ailment suffered in conditioning work.

“We held him out today,” said Pagano. “He tweaked his knee a little bit in a training session. We did some evaluation on it. It’s nothing serious. He has a sprain. Like always, we’re going to err on the side of caution and hold him back. He might miss a couple or three weeks.”

Even without his rookie quarterbacks, Pagano saw progress in the offense’s execution. That execution was evident in all areas as well.

“They dropback, they throw and they catch. The ball is not on the ground. That’s a good thing,” said Pagano of the offense. “Mental errors are down on both sides of the ball. Guys are starting to get it. … You’re implementing schemes on both sides of the ball and special teams, and the guys are picking it up. They’re picking it up fast because we’re throwing a lot at them. From that standpoint, it’s been great.”

Offensive linemen Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana, the club’s two top picks in the 2011, are still in rehabilitation and did not participate in the on-field work on Wednesday. Second-year running back Delone Carter missed the work, too, with a thumb injury.

“I know he’s progressing. I know he’s doing what he’s supposed to do,” said Pagano. “It’s kind of a day-to-day deal. … They did some surgery on it. They repaired it. It’s a matter of time until we get him back.”

One other player missing time Wednesday was center Samson Satele. Satele has a minor knee matter that does not require medical attention, and rest was the best protocol.

“He’s got a little bit of a knee (ailment). … It’s pure rehab work on him,” said Pagano. “We always try to err on the side of caution, especially this time of year. With the numbers we have, you can afford to hold a guy out, give him some time and not force the issue. You want them out there. You want them learning. You want them communicating and you want to build some chemistry among the linemen. At the same time, you want to be smart.”

COLTS ANNOUNCE ROSTER MOVES

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:41:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts today claimed tight end Andre Smith off waivers from the Chicago Bears and waived cornerback Mike Holmes.

Smith, 6-5, 267 pounds, was originally signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent on July 26, 2011. He spent the first eight weeks of the season on Chicago’s practice squad and was then elevated to the 53-man roster where he was inactive for the remaining eight games of the year.

Smith attended Virginia Tech (2007-10) and competed in 54 games (25 starts). He finished his collegiate career with 39 catches for 438 yards (11.2 avg.) and seven touchdowns. His five scores in 2010 were the most by a Virginia Tech tight end since 2005.

Holmes was signed to the Colts practice squad on October 12, 2011 and was elevated to the 53-man roster on December 6, 2011. He was inactive for the final four games of the season.

A RELEVANT SELECTION

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:54:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – Prior to the 2012 NFL Draft, the football world was familiar with highly touted quarterback Andrew Luck of Stanford.

Quarterback Chandler Harnish of Northern Illinois? Not as much as Luck in the public realm, but he was relevant in many football circles.

Luck spent his draft day, the first day of the draft, in the green room at Radio City Music Hall in New York, N.Y., where he knew he was going first overall.

Harnish spent his draft day, the third and final day of the draft, on the greens of a golf course near his hometown of Bluffton, Ind., where he had no idea if he would be taken at all.

“I just didn’t want to sit in front of a TV for eight hours and watch every single pick and then get frustrated,” said Harnish. “I didn’t want to go through that. We played a five-man Florida scramble, so we didn’t even keep score. I started off hot, but ended pretty sluggishly because I was focused on other things.”

Luck went first overall, made an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman and was the guest of honor at the Colts draft party at Lucas Oil Stadium on the draft’s second night.

After much frustration and wondering, Harnish was finally taken as the 253rd and final pick of the draft. He watched his name get announced on television and was a local celebrity among family and friends.

“Everyone I ran into was congratulating me, I’m getting tons of messages on my phone and Twitter and everything in between,” the lifelong Colts fan turned rookie quarterback said. “It’s been a whirlwind.

“It was a surprise when I got drafted by the Colts. It was surprise, shock and pure happiness. I was proud just to go to the team that you grew up loving your whole life. It’s really hard to describe.”

For months leading up to the April 26 draft, Luck was the most relevant name of the draft class.

As the final selection of the NFL Draft, Harnish is now affectionately known as ‘Mr. Irrelevant.’

The moniker is a long-standing draft tradition created elsewhere, but Harnish hardly embodies his nickname.

While at Northern Illinois, Harnish passed for 8,944 yards and ran for 2,983. He set 30 school passing, rushing and total offense records, led the Huskies to four consecutive bowl games and earned honors as the Mid-American Conference MVP as a senior in 2011. A true dual threat quarterback, Harnish completed 61.9 percent of his passes and averaged 5.5 yards per carry, passing and rushing for 92 total touchdowns.

“He is relevant, because otherwise you wouldn’t burn a pick on somebody,” Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson said. “He is very smart and mobile. He is a really good leader and you don’t get a bad word about this guy. He’s got ability and we are happy with the pick. He was up there on our board higher than when we took him, believe me.”

Part of being drafted as a professional athlete, what Harnish has found is new-found fame both locally and nationally.

On the day he was drafted, Harnish was a top headline on ESPN.com, he has fielded interviews from publications ranging from the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel to the Chicago Tribune and has even been asked to headline Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach, Calif., this June, where he would be the guest of honor at Disneyland among other attractions.

Even his high school, Norwell High in Ossian, Ind., is relevant. Having just more than 800 students, Harnish is now the second professional athlete from the class of 2007. That year, MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks drafted classmate Jarrod Parker who now pitches for the Oakland Athletics.

“It was pretty special that we’ve had two guys come out,” Harnish said. “He’s made it and I’m still working on making it, but it’s pretty cool nonetheless to come from a small school, small town, and have two guys (become professional athletes).”

Despite the onslaught of attention the few days provided, Harnish tries to keep things in perspective.

“I was the top story for a day,” he said with a smile. “I was in the spotlight just for a brief moment and I got a lot of phone calls and things, and that was a little bit of a stressful event just because you can’t keep up with everything, but now I’m back to just a normal guy again and you just can’t afford to feel that pressure. You’ve just got to go out and just focus on football and do your thing.”

While the first and final picks for the Colts bookended the draft and came from both ends of the celebrity spectrum, they are now rookies and working to improve the quarterback position for their new team.

“Andrew (Luck) is a great player and I’m coming in here just trying to compete, make the position better as a whole and help him out, let him help me out and just continue to learn and develop,” Harnish said.

Luck’s spot on the roster is safe, while Harnish will spend the next few months battling veterans Drew Stanton and Trevor Vittatoe for the back up spot.

“Coming here, you kind of got to get rid of that feeling of, ‘Wow, I’m with the Colts,’ and just go out and play football and start to learn the offense and just do your thing,” Harnish said. “I think I’m really starting to feel settled in and feel more comfortable.”

GRIGSON PLEASED WITH ROOKIE WORK

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:47:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – Last weekend saw the Colts welcome approximately 40 rookies to the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center for a three-day orientation to the culture of the team.

The session included all of the team’s 10 draft picks, plus others who joined the club through free agency. It was an intense camp that had heads spinning with the amount of information introduced to the newcomers.

General Manager Ryan Grigson liked what he saw from his organization and of the players he helped bring to Indianapolis to build a new competitive monster.

“There was a lot of learning involved,” said Grigson. “You have to take that into account with all these players. They’re coming from different systems, different coaching styles and techniques. There is a lot of things getting thrown at them in a short span.”

Players reported last Thursday to undergo physical evaluations and an introductory team meeting. They underwent two practices on Friday and Saturday (a total of about two and a half hours daily) and one on Sunday with a coaching staff that pitched information at a healthy and repetitive pace. Grigson was complimentary of their attentiveness and retention.

“Some guys pick it up quicker than others but for the most part, I thought it was a really good three days because the players seemed like they were taking coaching and responding,” said Grigson. “There were a lot of things thrown at the guys. I thought they responded collectively pretty well, considering where they were coming from. They came from all different types of levels. We had a player from Division III (linebacker Kevin Eagan) up to the SEC. It was all different walks here.

“They were playing at a pretty good rate of speed, considering all the newness of it. I was happy with just the tempo overall. It’s a credit to Chuck (Pagano) and his staff.”

Pagano was conducting his initial rookie camp as well. Since joining the Colts as head coach on January 25, he has worked with veteran players, hitting the more seasoned bunch with new schemes on both sides of the ball, plus a new approach to special teams play.

Grigson likes the teaching methods of Pagano and his staff. It is a friendly but firm approach styled for maximum results. Like any successful staff, no fundamental is unimportant and no detail is too small.

“I definitely like it, and that’s why they are here,” said Grigson of his coaches having an effective teaching style. “They really work hard on fundamentals, which I think is so important.

“Going through the (hiring) process from the beginning, that is what really impressed me about this staff. They preach fundamentals. They work on all the things that you need to have to be a sound football player. They preach it, the guys do it and they see it come to fruition on the field. The biggest thing for me watching was not only the communication, but all the players really kind of gelled as teammates as time went along. It was a productive three days.”

Players voiced an appreciation of the coaching style, as well as the aggressive pace with which information was thrown their way. Both players and coaches noticed each day how much installation was retained and how much needed to be reinforced a second time.

Last Sunday, coaches urged players to keep their attention tuned to the playbook, plus to keep their physical conditions in order for when organized team activities (OTAs) start in the middle of May. Most of the rookies will be on hand. A few, quarterback Andrew Luck (Stanford), wide receiver LaVon Brazill (sixth round, Ohio) and wide receiver Griff Whalen (free agent, Stanford) will be excluded because of academic reasons. All players were told to control every avenue within their power.

“We have a long way to go, but I’m sure the rookies and the young players would tell you that. They can only control what they can control right now,” said Grigson. “That is to be in the playbook, lift, run and do all those types of things. (They will) continue to learn from these coaches. They (the coaches) obviously know what they’re doing. It was fun to watch, and it will be interesting to see where these guys are a few months from now.”

Luck, Brazill and Whalen will be on hand for the full-squad mini-camp that runs from June 12-14. The mandatory camp will be the final on-field work until the start of training camp at Anderson University. Players will report to training camp on July 28, and practice starts the next day.

Pagano implored the newcomers last weekend that this is not a rebuilding time for the team.

“I told them, ‘It’s Next Man Up.’ We know we’ve lost some great players. There’s been turnover here, huge change. The culture, the dynamics are totally different,” said Pagano. “We just raised the bar. The expectations are way up (high). We said, ‘You wouldn’t be sitting in this room if someone didn’t see something in you. It’s ‘Next Man Up.’ Get yourself ready to go. Learn what you’re supposed to do.’

“Rebuild? No, we’re not talking about rebuild, ever. … You’re judged on one thing, and one thing only, that’s wins and losses.”

Grigson liked the firm message imparted to young ears.

“I think they at least know they will be coached hard. They will have high expectations given to them by Coach Pagano and the entire staff,” said Grigson. “The bar is set high, and that’s what we’re working toward."

Luck heads back to Stanford with work to do

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:46:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Andrew Luck will continue his studies - on and off the field - after his final day of rookie mini-camp.

League rules do not allow the Colts' new quarterback to return to the team complex until he finishes classes at Stanford. That will be June 7. Luck expects to be in Indianapolis the next day for offseason workouts but is planning to attend graduation ceremonies in Palo Alto, Calif.

Between now and then, the Colts have offered to do anything it takes to help Luck learn the playbook.

General manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano have discussed video conferencing. Team owner Jim Irsay has offered his plane and helicopter to assist with transportation. And, of course, Luck has a handful of receivers to work out with at Stanford, too.

Peyton Manning returns to Indy as Colts work out

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:44:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Peyton Manning still feels at home in Indianapolis even though he's part of a new team - the Denver Broncos.

On Saturday, Manning returned to the city he called home for 14 years, helping to raise money for the local children's hospital that bears his name.

It's not the first time Manning has been back in town since being released March 7 by the team he took from playoff afterthought to perennial contender. But this weekend marks the first time he's been back at the same time the Colts have had offseason workouts.

Across town, Manning's successor, Andrew Luck, is busy getting acclimated to a new locker room, new teammates and a new playbook.

Meanwhile, Manning says he feels fine and expects to start Denver's season opener.

COLTS ADD 17 PLAYERS, INCLUDING 15 UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:01:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS – A path of traditional success for the Colts has been through the addition of undrafted free agents.

Many prominent players such as Jeff Saturday, Melvin Bullitt, Dominic Rhodes and Gary Brackett have achieved success with the Colts, and Indianapolis has agreed to contract terms with 15 players who were not taken in last week’s draft.

Defensive end James Aiono, defensive tackle Chigbo Anunoby, offensive tackle Steven Baker, defensive back Cameron Chism, defensive end Kevin Eagan, defensive back Antonio Fenelus, offensive guard Jason Foster, linebacker Chris Galippo, offensive guard Hayworth Hicks, defensive back Buddy Jackson, safety Matt Merletti, safety Micah Pellerin, wide receiver Jabin Sambrano, punter Brian Stahovich and wide receiver Griff Whalen.

The team also agreed to terms with tight end Dominique Jones and claimed running back Deji Karim off waivers from Jacksonville.

Aiono, 6-3, 305, spent two seasons at Utah following a stint at Snow College. As a defensive end with Utah, he had 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks. At Snow, he was a 2008 first-team junior college All-America choice and was rated the top recruit in the nation by Rivals.com. Aiono also was the Western States Football League 2008 Defensive MVP and first-team all-conference defensive lineman.

Anunoby, 6-4, 324, totaled 49 tackles, 26 solo, a team-leading 14.0 tackles for losses, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovered as a defensive tackle last season at Morehouse College. He was invited to play in the HBCU All-Star game.

Baker, 6-8, 310, is a four-year letterman at offensive tackle from East Carolina. He competed in 42 career contests and started nine of 12 games last season. Baker was part of an offensive line that helped ECU tally 12 rushing touchdowns in the last seven games of the 2011 campaign and provided time for quarterback Dominique Davis to set NCAA records for consecutive completions in a game (26 vs. Navy) and a season (36 vs. Memphis and Navy). Baker also competed on special teams.

Chism, 5-10, 190, was a three-year starter for Maryland at cornerback. He opened 32 of 44 career games and ranked first on the team in career passes defensed (16), tied for first in career interceptions (seven) and ranked third in career tackles (191). In 2011, he had 47 tackles and three interceptions and became one of only three players in school history with two interception returns for touchdowns.

Eagan, 6-4, 276, totaled 104 tackles, 53 solo, 23.0 tackles for losses, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumbles recovered last season as a defensive end at Endicott College. He was named a BSN All-America second-team selection, the NEFC Boyd Division and ECAC DIII North Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-New England pick by the New England Football Writers. Eagan was the school’s career leader in tackles (371), tackles for loss (70.0), sacks (23.5), forced fumbles (seven) and fumbles recovered (seven).

Fenelus, 5-9, 190, was a four-year letterman at defensive back at Wisconsin. In starting 32 of 52 games, he had 155 tackles, 113 solo, nine interceptions, 22 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and three fumbles recovered. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and was the winner of the Jimmy Demetral Team MVP as a senior last season. Fenelus also earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2010.

Foster, 6-5, 305, was a four-year starter for Rhode Island at offensive tackle. He earned second-team All-CAA honors last season and garnered third-team honors in 2010 as the Rams totaled six games with 150-plus rushing yards.

Galippo, 6-2, 250, had 166 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and six interceptions as a linebacker for Southern California. In 2010, he was named an honorable mention All-Pac 10 selection while earning the team’s Special Teams Player of the Year Award. In 2009, he was a semi-finalist for the Butkus Award and made the CollegeFootballNews.com Sophomore All-America first-team list.

Hicks, 6-3, 336, started 24 of 36 games at offensive guard for Iowa State and last year was presented with the team’s Arthur Floyd Scott Sward Award as the most outstanding offensive lineman. He also earned second-team All-Big 12 honors from league coaches and honorable mention conference honors from the Associated Press.

Jackson, 6-1, 180, totaled 34 tackles, 23 solo, four passes defensed and one fumble recovered last season as a defensive back at Pittsburgh. He competed in every contest during his last two seasons and also participated on special teams.

Merletti, 5-11, 205, totaled 88 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, one pass defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a safety at North Carolina. He had a season-high 36 tackles last season and had both of his career interceptions in 2010.

Pellerin, 6-1, 195, had 51 tackles, 29 solo, four interceptions, 15 passes defensed and one forced fumble as a senior defensive back last season at Hampton. He saw action in every game over his last three seasons (33).

Sambrano, 5-11, 175, started three consecutive seasons at wide receiver at Montana and totaled 1,787 career reception yards. Last season, he earned second-team All-Big Sky Conference honors while leading the team with 632 reception yards and 10 touchdowns. Sambrano also was a Big Sky Conference honorable mention selection in 2010.

Stahovich, 6-0, 190, was one of the nation’s top punters at San Diego State, earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in each of his last three seasons. As a senior, he averaged 43.4 yards per punt with more than a quarter of his attempts going for more than 50 yards.

Whalen, 6-1, 185, was a teammate of Indianapolis draft selections Andrew Luck and Coby Fleener at Stanford. Whalen totaled 1,058 reception yards (13.2 avg.) and five touchdowns for his career. In 2011, he led the Cardinal with 749 reception yards (749) and had four touchdowns.

Jones, 6-3, 255, joins Indianapolis from the Reading Express of the Indoor Football League. Through seven games this season, he led the team with 39 receptions for 349 yards and seven touchdowns. As a senior at Shepherd, Jones had 34 receptions for 403 yards and nine touchdowns. He helped lead his team to the Division II National semi-finals and a school-record 12 wins. For his performance, Jones earned third-team All-America honors and second-team all-conference honors. Prior to joining Reading, Jones played tight end for the UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions.

Karim, 5-8, 209, spent the last two seasons with Jacksonville. In 23 games, he totaled 98 rushes for 290 yards and added 17 catches for 130 yards. Karim served as a kickoff return specialist, averaging 24.7 yards on 77 efforts.

Undrafted free agent will join those taken in the draft in a rookie camp this week in Indianapolis. The camp will have five practices, with two on Friday and Saturday and a final one on Sunday.

Colts finally add another defensive player

105.5 the River Colts Corner — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:44:00 GMT

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indianapolis Colts have made another move to shore up the defense, taking Vanderbilt defensive end Tim
Fugger with their second pick in the seventh round of the NFL draft on Saturday.

Fugger is listed at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds and is just the second defensive player the Colts have chosen in their first nine picks.

New coach Chuck Pagano and new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky wanted to get bigger and deeper through the draft, but team owner Jim Irsay says the team lost out at least twice on defenders they hoped to take.

Indy started the day by taking 316-pound defensive tackle Josh Chapman at No. 136 overall.