History has been made, as former Eastside and Kennesaw State standout Dante Blackmon becomes the first Owl football player to sign with an NFL team by signing with the Indianapolis Colts Monday.

Blackmon was also the first Owl to get a football mini camp tryout, as he tried out with both the Atlanta Falcons and the Colts last week before ultimately signing his Undrafted Free Agent (UFA) contract on Monday

"Signing with the Colts felt like a dream come true," Blackmon said in a story from the Kennesaw State sports information department. "The process was a good one. I loved everything about it and I just competed at my highest level and controlled what I could control. I can't thank Kennesaw State University and Coach Bohannon and the rest of the coaching staff enough for the opportunity to transfer in and play ball for the Owls.

According to Blackmon, he is one of just five players to sign with the Colts out of 47 that were invited to the mini-camp tryout.  It’s an accomplishment that his former Kennesaw State head coach, Brian Bohannon is proud of.

"I'm so proud of Dante for earning this incredible career opportunity," he said. "This certainly is a milestone for our young program to have our first NFL signee, and its also a tribute to the way Dante has dedicated himself both on and off the field to be the best he can be. He was an all conference player, he earned his degree last week and now he has an NFL contract. I wish him the best of luck."

Blackmon's first team All-Big South selection stemmed from his incredible senior season. His ball-hawk-like play gave him a conference leading six interceptions (second in the entire FCS) and eight pass break ups as he ended his Kennesaw State career after two seasons with a grand total of eight interceptions, 50 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Blackmon becomes just the sixth Covington native to enter into the NFL following his recently drafted former Eastside teammate Sheldon Rankins (New Orleans Saints), and he's looking to make the most of his new opportunity.

"Now it's time to go to work," he said. This is just the start."