Ulrick John, Albert Wilson and Theo Agnew are the latest Georgia State Panthers now to be members of the National Football League.
John, former offensive-tackle for four seasons, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He signed a four-year contract estimated at $2.2 million, according to Indystar.
John is the second player in Georgia State history to be drafted. Former defensive lineman Christo Bilukidi was the first drafted by the Raiders in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
“This is a great opportunity for Ulrick [John] and great news for Georgia State football,” head coach Trent Miles said to Georgia State Athletics. “He has an opportunity to earn a spot with an outstanding franchise. The work is just beginning, but his best football is ahead of him.”
John is a massive left-tackle standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 300 pounds. He was All-Conference tackle and the Panthers’ top lineman for the last two seasons.
His athleticism and size caught the scouts’ attention at Georgia State’s Pro Day when he ran a 4.95 in the 40-yard dash.
“[The Colts] had been talking to me a lot,” John told the AJC. “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.”
Wilson signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs and Agnew has received an invite to the Atlanta Falcons mini-camp.
Wilson’s speed and productivity as a Panther earned him a shot with the Kansas City Chiefs. Similar to Ulrick, Wilson placed seventh among his position in the 40-yard dash at the combine, recording a 4.35.
During his time at Georgia State, the 5-foot-9 wide-out totaled 6,235 yards as a receiver and a kick and punt returner. Wilson is the all-time leading scorer with 26 touchdowns for 156 points for Georgia State.
“It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to have a chance to make the team,” Wilson said to the AJC. “I’m ready to go to work.”
Agnew may not have been selected in the draft or signed as a free agent, but his production as a Panther earned him an invitation to the Falcons rookie mini-camp.
Agnew transferred from UMass after two seasons and then played two more seasons at Georgia State. He was a two-year letterman and starter on the defensive line.
Agnew is tied for second in Georgia State history in tackles for loss with 14.5 and he ranks sixth all-time with 124 tackles.
Agnew tweeted his excitement as soon as he received the invite saying, “Guess im stayin in ATL!! FALCONS HERE I COME #gotTheCall!!!!!” with a picture of himself celebrating.
The tryouts took place May 16-18 in Flowery Branch, Ga.
Georgia State’s number of players in the NFL, now at four, could go as high as five if Agnew is picked up by the Falcons. It would be the most in the program’s short, four-year history.
The football team now prepares for its fifth season which is its second season under Miles.
The Panthers kickoff the college football season Wednesday, Aug. 27 against Abilene Christian at the Georgia Dome.
