Report: Norfolk State LB Deon King Has Worked Out for Colts

According to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts have worked out Norfolk State inside linebacker Deon King:

The 6’1, 235 pound linebacker was a tackling machine in his senior season for the Spartans, leading all FCS schools with 163 total tackles (14.8 avg tackles per game) in 11 games. Not to mention, he also had 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 passes deflected.

As a result, he was Norfolk State’s 1st FCS All-American, as well as the first player in school history to win the Buck Buchanan Award–which is given annually to the FCS top defensive player.

While King’s production is obviously there, scouts reportedly had some concerns about his speed, yet he managed to run a 4.69 forty-time at his pro day:

"“Scouts have told me that I have talent, but they think I’m a little slow,” King said. “I want to let them know that I’m fast, can move around, that I’m athletic.”"

Of course, the Colts could use an infusion of youth at the inside linebacker position, where the team lost last year’s starting inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman to the Chicago Bears in free agency and returning veteran starter D’Qwell Jackson is set to turn 33 years old in September.

With last year’s backups, either Nate Irving or Sio Moore, currently projected to start alongside Jackson at inside linebacker, the Colts could use some additional depth behind them and to possibly compete for reps.

King could be an under-the-radar late round draft pick or priority undrafted free agent pickup, who has a proven track record of production, even if it came at an unheralded collegiate football program.