Windsor Lancers grad signs with the Indianapolis Colts

A UWindsor student has officially signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Getting dropped from a team is normally not a good thing, but in the case of Devin Veresuk, it is.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker was released from the team earlier this week to allow him to pursue an opportunity with the Colts.

Veresuk, drafted second overall in the CFL draft last year, signed with the NFL team Tuesday.

“It’s been a crazy time, and it’s been a wild ride. I took the long road, but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Veresuk told CTV News. “When I was 16, 17, if you would have told me I would be putting on an NFL helmet or signing an NFL contract, I probably wouldn’t believe you.”

A once in a lifetime opportunity, Veresuk has withdrawn from school in order to focus on being the best he can be once organized team activities begin in April.

A finalist for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie award, the former Windsor Lancer had an outstanding first year recording 66 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, two sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown in Week 3.

“Devin is a hard-working young player with a great attitude who earned his way into a starting role,” said Orlondo Steinauer, the Ti-Cats president of football operations, through the team’s website. “He consistently put in the hard work and handled things the right way. We’re proud of what he accomplished here and are supportive of him as he explores this next opportunity.”