KENT, Ohio — Kent State’s Colin Ferrell didn’t have to even sleep through Sunday night wondering what his National Football League prospects might hold. A short time after the 2008 NFL Draft came to a close, the first team All-Mid-American Conference nose tackle signed a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Just a few hours earlier, teammate Jack Williams was taken by the Denver Broncos with the 20th pick in the fourth round of the draft (119th overall). With Ferrell’s signing, the Golden Flashes have now sent six players to the NFL (two drafted, four free agents) over the past two seasons.

“I actually knew before the draft ended, so that was a relief,” Ferrell said. “I talked to [Colts President] Bill Polian about the defensive tackle situation and decided that the Colts were the best fit.”

The Hamilton, N.J. native had a senior season to remember, ranking 33rd in the nation and fourth in the MAC with 16 tackles for loss and 12th in the conference with five sacks. He led the team with a pair of forced fumbles in addition to recording a career-high 56 tackles (32 solo).

Ferrell started the final 24 games of his distinguished career (34 overall), finishing fourth in the Kent State annals with 45.5 tackles for loss.

“This is something I’ve worked so hard for since high school,” Ferrell said. “It doesn’t bother me that I didn’t get drafted, because either way I’ve still got to go prove myself.”
Ferrell traveled to Indianapolis on May 1 for rookie mini camp.