The attempt by former VCU basketball player Mo Alie-Cox to break through to the NFL has proven successful, as the power forward who recently held workouts for a number of different NFL teams will sign a free agent agreement with the Indianapolis Colts, according to a report from ESPN.
At 6-foot-7, 250 pounds, Alie-Cox might've had a chance to make a living playing basketball professionally overseas. But the move to the NFL to play tight end and catch passes from Andrew Luck actually makes a lot of sense, even if he hasn't played football since his freshman year in high school.
In his college career, Alie-Cox was a bully of a big man in the paint. His physical style of play gave VCU an edge down low and helped lead them to four-straight 25-plus win seasons during his time in Richmond. He averaged 9.5 points and 4.2 rebounds last season.
Unlike other NFL Draft hopefuls, Alie-Cox was draft eligible last season. So instead of waiting for the draft, he had the opportunity to impress teams in pre-draft workouts and sign at any point. All but two NFL teams attended his public workout and he made visits, and it seems the Colts are the winner in the sweepstakes.
Alie-Cox will have some adjusting to do to become successful in the NFL. Workouts will now involve pads and helmets, and the rigorous NFL schedule is a total physical flip compared to college basketball. But he won't be short on opportunities. Colts tight end Jack Doyle is entrenched as the starter, and Dwayne Allen, who was seemingly the No. 2 tight end, is now on the New England Patriots. With his athleticism and big body for a tight end, he has a chance to make a fairly seamless transition into the NFL.
