Indianapolis Colts

Pair of Ivy Leaguers lead list of Colts undrafted free agents

Published May. 5, 2015 12:53 a.m. ET

foxsports

Two-time Ivy League defensive player of the year Zach Hodges and Southeastern Louisiana quarterback Bryan Bennett were among 15 undrafted free agents signed by the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced Monday.

Hodges, a defensive end who figures to transition to linebacker in the NFL, led the Ivy League in sacks last season with 8.5. He'll be joined in Indianapolis by another Ivy Leaguer, Tyler Varga of Yale.

Varga, like Hodges, competed in this year's Senior Bowl, where he captained the North team and scored two rushing touchdowns. The running back averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 142 yards per game for the Bulldogs en route to being named Ivy League offensive player of the year.

Bennett comes to the Colts with intriguing credentials. A former quarterback at Oregon, Bennett transferred after losing the starting job to future Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Bennett found his opportunity and plenty of success at Southeastern Louisiana, with 3,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards in 2013. He was slowed by a shoulder injury last season.

Hodges, Varga and Bennett head to Indianapolis knowing each has a shot at being more than just a training camp body. According the team's official website, the Colts have had at least one undrafted free agent make the 53-man roster after final cuts each of the last 16 seasons.

It's the longest such streak in the NFL.

(h/t Indianapolis Colts)

Photo credit: John David Mercer/USA Today Sports

Proud to announce my signing with the @Colts! Thanks to my friends, family and fellow Canadians for sharing this moment with me! #blessed
— Tyler Varga (@TyVarga) May 2, 2015