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Colts Trying Out WR Andre Debose and H-Back Emil Igwenagu for Mini-Camp

By Luke Schultheis

May 8, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Andre Debose (84) catches a pass at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Andre Debose (84) catches a pass at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder, the Indianapolis Colts are trying out wide receiver Andre Debose and H-Back Emil Igwenagu as part of their 3-day minicamp this week that wraps up their offseason program:

"“The Colts are skillfully taking advantage of a rule that permits them to invite tryout candidates to their minicamp,” writes Holder. “We’ve learned two such players are in camp this week: Former Raiders draft pick Andre Debose, once a standout at the University of Florida, and hybrid tight end/fullback Emil Igwenagu, who has spent time on the rosters of the Eagles and Lions the past three seasons.”"

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Andre Debose (4) runs back a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Andre Debose (4) runs back a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Originally a 7th round pick of the Oakland Raiders last year, Debose played his collegiate football at Florida, where he shined as a special teams returnman for the Gators.

The 6’0″, 190 pound speedy wide receiver is tied for 3rd all-time in the SEC with 5 combined return touchdowns.

Specifically, he finished with 79 career kick returns for 2,111 total kick return yards (26.7 KR avg) and 4 return touchdowns, while also having 34 career punt returns for 420 total punt return yards (12.4 PR avg) and a touchdown return.

While Debose was not invited to last year’s NFL Combine, he posted a 4.38 forty yard dash, and the Raiders took a shot on him in the final round of the draft.

However, he tore his achilles last offseason in OTA’s and was subsequently waived-injured.

Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Emil Igwenagu (44) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Emil Igwenagu (44) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Meanwhile, Igwenagu was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012, where he spent time on their practice squad and appeared in 3 games as a rookie. He was with the Eagles organization for two seasons before his subsequent release.

Igwenagu then spent time on the Detroit Lions practice squad in 2014 and was part of their final 53-man roster cuts last season.

While it’s a little dated, here’s the 6’1″, 249 pound H-back’s draft profile:

"“Igwenagu is an intriguing prospect who never really found a consistent position at UMass, but contributed as a tight end and could play the role of a hybrid H-back type player in the NFL. He can run well for his size and is crafty in getting open, catching the ball, and moving up the field. He isn’t a deep threat and gets his production in close, mostly on short first downs. He could be a late-round flier for a team looking to use him on short passing downs.”"

"“Igwenagu is an intriguing prospect who never really found a consistent position at UMass, but contributed as a tight end and could play the role of a hybrid H-back type player in the NFL. He can run well for his size and is crafty in getting open, catching the ball, and moving up the field. He isn’t a deep threat and gets his production in close, mostly on short first downs. He could be a late-round flier for a team looking to use him on short passing downs.”"

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