Northwestern OL Brandon Vitabile expected to join #Colts as a UDFA

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) May 2, 2015

Former Northwestern center Brandon Vitabile plans to sign with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

A team captain with the Wildcats during his junior and senior seasons, Vitabile was known for his on-field leadership and consistent play on the offensive line. He started all 50 games of his Northwestern career, opening holes for the Wildcats’ rushing attack, led by Justin Jackson’s 1,187 yards on the ground in 2014.

Vitabile also succeeded off the field, earning four Academic All-Big Ten honors and a 2014 National Football Foundational National Scholar-Athlete award, one of only 17 recipients from all levels of college football.

While some pro scouts are concerned with Vitabile’s lack of length, they also say his footwork, form and strength when challenging a defender are refined enough for him to compete for a roster spot. He’ll get that chance to prove himself with Indianapolis as NFL teams head into training camp this summer.