NORMAL, Ill. - Former Illinois State football standouts Colton Underwood and Josh Aladenoye hoped for calls during the NFL Draft last weekend, but both got their chance to play for NFL teams when each signed un-drafted free agent deals after the draft with the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, respectively.
A two-time All-American and First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football selection, Underwood signed with the Chargers and will head to San Diego for the team's rookie mini camp beginning May 16. The Washington, Ill., native finished his career as a two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist (awarded to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision) and ranks No. 3 in career tackles-for-loss with 44 and No. 4 on the career sacks list with 21.5 to go along with 215 career tackles.
Aladenoye, who hails from Mesquite, Texas, will play for his hometown favorite Cowboys and will report to mini camp on May 16 as well. A transfer from Oklahoma, Aladenoye started every game at left tackle for the past two seasons for the Redbirds and was named a 2013 Second-Team All-MVFC selection.
In addition, former Illinois State defensive tackle Shelby Harris was selected in the 7th round of the draft by the Oakland Raiders. Harris was a two-year starter for the Redbirds, but was dismissed from the team prior to the 2013 season for a violation of team rules.
The trio joins former Redbirds and teammates Nate Palmer (Green Bay Packers) and Cody White (Houston Texans) on current NFL active or practice squad rosters.
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