INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts today signed third-round (92nd overall) draft selection, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.
Hilton was a four-year player at Florida International who started 37 of 50 games, never playing in fewer than 12 in a season. He had 229 receptions for 3,531 yards and 24 touchdowns. Hilton had 105 kickoff returns for a 27.2 average and four touchdowns, and he averaged 12.5 yards on 49 career punt returns, taking two back for touchdowns. Additionally, he had 69 rushes for 498 yards and seven touchdowns.
Hilton upped his receptions each season (41, 2008; 57, 2009; 59, 2010; 72, 2011), and he twice had 1,000 seasons (1,013, 2008; 1,038, 2011). He was the school's leading receiver in all four career seasons. He had 23.4, 28.8, 28.7 and 30.4 kickoff return averages in his chronological seasons, returning one for a score in 2008 and 2009 and two the following year. Hilton's top punt return season was his final year with eight for a 23.3 average, and he had a 97-yard scoring return against Florida Atlantic. It was the second-longest effort in Sun Belt Conference history.
Hilton ended his career with 7,498 all-purpose yards, with seasonal averages of 180.25 (2008), 112.50 (2009), 160.69 (2010) and 149.96 (2011). The total ranks fifth in NCAA FBS history. His 37 total touchdowns are a school career record, and his 224 points rank second in school history.
The Colts have signed seven draft picks. In addition to Hilton, Indianapolis has signed defensive tackle Josh Chapman, offensive guard Justin Anderson, running back Vick Ballard, wide receiver LaVon Brazill, linebacker Tim Fugger and quarterback Chandler Harnish.
