Report: Colts Are Working Out William & Mary LB Luke Rhodes
According to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts are working out William & Mary inside linebacker Luke Rhodes:
The 6’1″, 236 pound senior inside linebacker starred for the Tribe, recording 78 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss, 4 passes deflected, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery in 12 games
He was a two-time captain for William & Mary, finishing 5th all-time in the school’s history with 341 career tackles. Not to mention, he was a 3x 1st-Team All-CAA selection.
Rhodes showed some impressive measurables at his pro day, as he ran a 4.64 forty time and boasted a 35 inch vertical.
Before this past season, NFL.com listed him as one of the top senior prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft:
"Luke Rhodes, ILB, William & MaryRhodes (6-2, 242) is the only player in the FCS to be selected to the Butkus Award watch list. He’s a two-time first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association pick and team captain, not only racking up nearly 100 tackles in 2013 and 2014 but also flying into lead blockers to allow his teammates to make plays. While not an explosive athlete, Rhodes has enough speed to fill a gap, is agile enough to slip second-level blocks, and hustles to the sideline. As a special-teams ace and steady presence on defense, he’ll be a tough cut in training camp."
Having lost starter Jerrell Freeman to the Chicago Bears in free agency, the Colts could be in the market for additional inside linebacker depth.
Rhodes currently projects to be a late round draft pick or priority undrafted free agent. He could become a reliable backup in the short-term, while contributing immediately on special teams.
If nothing else, he has a great first name for the position. No–not me, I’m talking about Carolina Panthers All-Pro ILB Luke Kuechly.