By: by Mike DeGeorge
KENNESAW, Ga. -- Former Kennesaw State defensive back
Dante Blackmon has made history again for the Owls, becoming the program's first player to sign a contract with a National Football League team.
Blackmon, who also became the first Owl to earn an NFL mini-camp tryout, signed an Undrafted Free Agent (UFA) contract with the Indianapolis Colts following his successful tryout this past weekend.
"Signing with the Colts felt like a dream come true," said Blackmon. "To be one of the five guys to sign out of about 47 guys that came on an invite was the best feeling and a blessing. The process was a good one. I loved everything about it and I just competed at my highest level and controlled what I could control. Now it's time to go to work. This is just the start. I can't thank Kennesaw State University and Coach Bohannon and the rest of the coaching staff enough for the opportunity to transfer in and play ball for the Owls."
A first-team All-Big South selection, Blackmon led the conference with six interceptions (second-most in the FCS) and eight pass breakups this season. He logged a career-high three interceptions against Duquesne, becoming the 10th player in Big South history with three in one game. Blackmon was named Big South and National Defensive Player of the Week for his effort versus Duquesne.
"I'm so proud of Dante for earning this incredible career opportunity," said head coach
Brian Bohannon. "This is certainly a milestone for our young program to have our first NFL signee, and it's also a tribute to the way that Dante has dedicated himself both and off the field to be the best he can be. He was an all-conference player, he earned his degree last week and now he has an NFL contract."
In his final two seasons with the Owls after transferring from Appalachian State, the Covington, Ga., native played in all 22 games and compiled 50 tackles, eight interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it became the official home of Owls football team and is also home to Owls soccer and lacrosse.
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