Georgia State’s Ulrick John was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the NFL draft Saturday. Later in the day, wide receiver Albert Wilson signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
John, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle, is the second player in Georgia State history to be drafted. Defensive lineman Christo Bilukidi was picked by the Raiders in the sixth round in 2012.
Wilson, who is 5-9, totaled 6,235 yards (receiving, rushing and returns) at Georgia State. He was told he will be looked at by the Chiefs as a wide receiver and kick returner.
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 honorable-mention all-Sun Belt honors after starting 11 games at left tackle last season.
“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 Saturday he is healthy.
The Colts, led by quarterback Andrew Luck, were 11-5 last season and won the AFC South. They defeated the Chiefs 45-44 in the wild-card round of the playoffs before losing to the Patriots 43-22 in the divisional round.
Wilson was projected to go anywhere from the fifth round to the seventh.
“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.”
Wilson, a native of Port St. Lucie, Fla., is the school’s career-leading scorer with 26 touchdowns for 156 points.
