Georgia State’s Ulrick John was selected by the Colts in the seventh round of the NFL draft on Saturday. Rookie free agent Albert Wilson signed with the Chiefs and defensive tackle Theo Agnew may receive an invitation to the Falcons’ mini-camp.
John, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle, is the second player in Georgia State history to be taken in the draft. Defensive lineman Christo Bilukidi was picked by the Raiders in the sixth round in 2012.
Wilson, a 5-foot-9 wide receiver, was an all-purpose player at Georgia State who totaled 6,235 yards (receiving, rushing and returns). He is the school’s all-time leading scorer with 26 touchdowns for 156 points.
“It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to have a chance to make the team,” Wilson said. “I’m ready to go to work.”
John, a native of Hinesville who played at Bradwell Institute, played several positions on the offensive line during his career at Georgia State. He earned all-conference honors in the Sun Belt after starting 11 games at left tackle last year.
“They (Colts) had been talking to me a lot,” John said. “They had the private workouts. The coaches were talking highly of me. Every time they came to the board, I was hoping they would call.”
John said Colts general manager Ryan Grigson called him at his home in Hinesville, where he was watching the draft with his friends and family. John said all he could say was thank you during the phone call.
John said he thinks the Colts will work him at tackle, but he’s ready to practice at any position. He will head to Indianapolis on Sunday.
“It’s great for the young man and our program,” Georgia State coach Trent Miles said. “He’s going to a great franchise. They are excellent people.”
Miles said John’s biggest strengths are his length and his ability to run. Miles said John will need to improve his strength. A shoulder injury limited some of his workouts the past two years at Georgia State. He did 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at Georgia State’s pro day. John said on Saturday he is 100-percent healthy.
The Colts, led by quarterback Andrew Luck, went 11-5 last year to win the AFC South. They defeated the Chiefs 45-44 in the wildcard round of the playoffs before being beaten by the Patriots 43-22 in the divisional round.
The Chiefs, who drafted Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray on Saturday, went 11-5 last year. Their receiving group is led by Dwayne Bowe.
Wilson said he hopes to follow in the steps of former Chiefs wide receiver/kick returner Dexter McCluster, who signed with Tennessee in the offseason. McCluster averaged 11.8 yards on 58 punt returns last year.
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