Fans of Indianapolis’ NFL franchise filed in and out of Meijer’s parking lot, getting autographs from players and cheerleaders, taking trips down a giant inflatable blue-and-white slide and posing for pictures with Colts’ mascot, Blue.

The Colts’ annual Make It Personal tour had a little bit for everybody.

“I love the fact that they’re coming all the way out here,” said Fred Rains, who was sporting matching Peyton Manning jerseys with his 5-year-old son, Fate.

“I really like being around a lot of Colts fans. … It’s just great getting around a lot of people who like the same thing.”

Do they ever.

A steady stream of fans decked out in Colts gear received autographs from players Jamie Silva and Dudley Guice, and took a look around the team’s traveling museum.

Silva is a defensive back and Guice a wide receiver.

“This is a great opportunity to get the fans involved, because the fans are our No. 1 priority,” Guice said. “If there weren’t any fans, there wouldn’t be any Indianapolis Colts.”

The defending AFC champions just missed another Super Bowl title when they fell 31-17 to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV.

Indianapolis opens the preseason Aug. 15 against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Colts’ first regular-season game is Sept. 12 at the Houston Texans.

“A lot of people dream of growing up and being pro football players and putting smiles on kids’ faces when they meet you,” Silva said. “It’s pretty cool.”

Guice signed with the Colts as a free agent in January. A product of Northwestern State, he originally signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2009.

“It’s a world-class organization,” Guice said of the Colts. “It’s definitely a privilege and it’s definitely an honor. I’m just trying to take it all in.”

The Miller family of Richmond has taken in several Colts’ fan events over the years.

Graham, Andrea and their 8-year-old daughter Summer were first in line Tuesday as they waited for the autograph session to start.

“Every year we come out here,” said Andrea Miller.

Graham Miller has been a fan for 15 years. “They’re an honorable team,” he said.

The Make It Personal tour has 17 more stops until July 21.

That includes a trip to the North-South All-Star Classic game July 16 at North Central High School in Indianapolis, and a July 19 visit to the Delaware County Fair in Muncie.

“The guys are very receptive who come do this. They enjoy going out and seeing the fans,” said Joe Fonderoli, who works on-site with the tour. “It’s a different aspect that they don’t get on game days, and fans don’t get on game days.”

Added Silva: “It’s huge for the guys on our team to get out around the state. … It kind of unites the Colts with everybody around the state and shows why the Colts’ fans are such loyal and good fans.”

Yes, this sounded a little familiar to Jessie Armstead, too. That’s why Armstead, a special assistant/consultant for the Giants, sought out Adrian Tracy before the Giants first rookie minicamp practice.

“That was definitely a shell-shock to me,” an appreciative Tracy said, “to have him coaching me and saying to carry on the tradition of No. 98. So I kind of looked at clips of him on YouTube, when he played at Miami, and some of when he was playing up here. The biggest thing I got from that is just the attitude and the tenacity he had every time he played.”

Playing at Armstead’s level obviously is an excessive expectation. Armstead made five Pro Bowls, despite that he was an eighth-round pick out of Miami in 1993.

Tracy, a sixth-round draft choice, is eager to utilize Armstead’s expertise. But before training camp begins he’ll concentrate mostly on the adjustments of playing linebacker.

The 6-2, 248-pound Tracy was a four-year starter at defensive end for William & Mary, but every NFL franchise he spoke to before the draft indicated that he projected as a linebacker at this level. The Giants will try him on the strong side, but they realize he’ll need time to adapt to playing a foreign position.

Tracy hasn’t played linebacker regularly since his freshman year at Potomac Falls (Va.) High School, but he impressed the Giants scouts when he played linebacker in the Texas vs. The Nation college all-star game three months ago.

“He is athletic, tries hard,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. “We have seen him [play linebacker] in an all-star game, so I think he can do it. It is going to take a little bit. There are a lot of things that take place when you are out there in space. He doesn’t have his hand on the ground, like he has played most of his life.”

Like Armstead, Tracy grew up rooting for the Cowboys. He hopes, though, that he can make this tricky transition from end and become the type of player Giants fans appreciate.

“I’m learning,” Tracy said. “I’m getting more comfortable in my stance. I’m not in a rush to put my hand in the dirt, but wherever they need me is where I’ll play. Right now, I’m trying the SAM linebacker spot out, seeing how that works. Hopefully I can make the transition and contribute.”

A second-team All-Ivy receiver and special teams returner, Walters finished the 2009 season ranked second in the Ivy League in receiving yards per game (76.4), fifth in receptions per game (5.0) and tied for second with six receiving touchdowns. He also led the conference in yards per catch with 15.3. Walters ranked No. 5 nationally in all-purpose yards per game with 171.6 –– the second-best mark in a season by a Cornell player since Ed Marinaro, whose 1971 campaign saw him finish as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. Named Ivy League Special Teams Player of the Week three times in 2009, Walters led the Ancient Eight in kickoff return yards (777) and came in at No. 2 in punt return yards (174) and average per return (6.7).

During his 2009 campaign, Walters ranked in the top 20 among active players at the Football Championship Subdivision level in 14 categories, and posted three games with more than 200 all-purpose yards. Walters will graduate in May holding Ivy League records for career punt and kick return yards with 972 and 2,790, respectively.

His cousins Damon and Salim have each enjoyed successful NBA careers, while another cousin Chris Mims spent eight years as a lineman in the NFL. Stoudamire, a Centennial graduate, will test his football skills at the highest level after signing a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers over the weekend.

The second-team, all-American cornerback out of Western Illinois was hopeful of hearing his name called Saturday during the later rounds of the NFL Draft. His phone buzzed a few times, but a card with his name on it never made it to the podium.

But just because the custodians were sweeping up in New York didn’t mean that NFL teams were heading home for the night.

“A lot of teams were calling,” his agent Rodney Edwards, with Goal line Football Management said. “Ten minutes after the draft we were negotiating contracts.”

The most interested parties were San Diego, the New York Giants and San Francisco. Edwards had studied the rosters of several potential suitors, searching for the best spot for his client to land. The Giants had eight cornerbacks in the fold, while San Francisco had just five on their roster – one being seventh round pick Phillip Adams out of South Carolina State, who was taken about an hour earlier.

In fact, Adams and Stoudamire are expected to battle for one of those final spots on the 53-man roster through off-season workouts and the preseason in August. The first steps on that journey begin this weekend with the team’s rookie mini-camp.

“I walk in faith and God had a plan for me,” Stoudamire said. “This is about a love for the game. I wasn’t asking for millions of dollars, I just want a shot to get my foot in the door. I’m pumped up to show my value and get that spot. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

His first stop after the draft party was to a local sporting goods store to purchase some 49ers’ hats for friends. He didn’t get out the door without being recognized.

“It’s been great. I’ve been getting all kinds of texts and phone calls,” Stoudamire said. “I went out to buy some hats, and people started coming up to me for autographs. I’ve never had people do that before.”

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Does the former Greyhound standout have a shot of making the NFL team as a free agent?

“He does, but he has to do everything right and be in top shape,” said Pitt assistant head coach and defensive line coach Greg Gattuso at Thursday’s 27th annual Pitt Mon Valley Panther Club Chapter Banquet at The Willow Room.

In four years, Gattuso watched the former Greyhound fullback-linebacker go from a Class A school to the Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

“He was always very talented, but learned how to play through pain because he had a lot of injuries,” said Gattuso.

According to Gattuso, Williams came into his own as a junior and senior.

“You could see his talent the last two years,” he said. “He was a great football player the last two years. He fit our system well because we emphasize speed and athleticism. We don’t want big tackes.”

Gattuso feels Williams’ size of 6-0, 275 pounds may create a position change in the pros.

“They want tackles in the 330-pound range so he could be switched to defensive end or linebacker,” he said. “He’s a great pass rusher. I thought someone like Chicago, Indianapolis or Tampa Bay would give him a shot.”

Bob Junko, Pitt’s director of football relations and program enhancement, accepted the student athlete award for Williams.

The other student award winner was Beth-Center High graduate Mike Celaschi.

Monongahela businessman Aldo Bartolotta received the Mon Valley Chapter Award for an unprecedented fourth time.

“I’ll always be a Pitt man,” said Bartolotta. “I can remember going to my first Pitt game with my older brother Eugene in 1939 when Pitt beat Carnegie Tech, 6-0. That was a big deal. In 1973, when my brother Leo retired, I became my own boss and started going to all the Pitt games when Johnny Majors was coach. I saw the ups and downs at Pitt.”

The other Pitt speakers at the affair included athletic director Steve Pederson, women’s basketball coach Agnus Berenato and men’s assistant basketball coach Pat Sandle.

DetroitLions.com lists Henderson as a 6-foot-3, 278 pound defensive end from Southern Mississippi. Unfortunately, there isn’t a biography, summary of playing experience, or even a picture.

So who did the Seahawks acquire from Detroit on Monday? One would have to assume that Henderson is just a minor addition to the deal and will never have an impact on the field on Sundays.

As mentioned in a previous post, Henderson was originally drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round (199th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. But prior to the draft, he was projected by many to be an undrafted prospect.

Entering the draft, Henderson was seen as an undersized pass-rusher with a tendency for the big play. He was considered an explosive, first-move lineman, best suited on the weak side of the defense where his physical attributes could be more effectively utilized.

Possessing only marginal size but unique explosiveness, many scouts projected him to be a pass-rush specialist – in the right system. Unfortunately for Henderson, he has yet to find that system in the National Football League.

After being drafted by the New York Giants, he was cut a few months later after being injured in a preseason game. He was the first draft choice by New York general manager Jerry Reese to not make the final roster.

After his time in New York, Henderson found a spot in Jacksonville on the team’s practice squad. After about a year, he moved onto Detroit where he spent time on the practice squad and was signed to a futures contract in January. He has not played in an NFL game.

So have the Seahawks found a diamond in the rough? Is Robert Henderson the next James Harrison? Unlikely.

But here is the catch: Henderson played a unique position in college that resembles a wrinkle in Pete Carroll’s defense. At Southern Miss, Henderson played the “Bandit” position, a roving linebacker/defensive end very similar to the “Elephant” position that was featured in several of Carroll’s defensive formations at Southern Cal.

Despite Henderson’s lack of experience and size, he may be a good fit in Seattle under Carroll’s watch. As a hybrid linebacker/defensive end, he possesses the unique skills required to roam around in the “Elephant” position. He probably won’t be a starter, but he should provide nice depth on Seattle’s defense and could – with other players like Ricky Foley – revitalize a pass rush that has been nonexistent the past few seasons.

That player is William & Mary defensive end/linebacker Adrian Tracy, an FCS All-American and last preseason’s CAA defensive player of the year who had 12 sacks in his senior season. Tracy’s visit was reported by InsideTheLeague.com. (Password required.)

The 6-3, 248-pound Tracy, who is projected as a late-round pick, was an end in college but many believe he’s suited as a pass-rushing linebacker. As an end, Tracy would have to put on a lot more bulk. Either way, scouting reports indicate he’ll need to work on some of his power moves to be effective at the next level against much bigger offensive tackles than he saw in college.

Tracy’s visit is significant because the Giants are burning one of their 30 visits on him. Local kids (players who are natives of the area or went to school around here) don’t count against the 30, so their workouts and visits don’t necessarily indicate big-time interest on the part of the team.
The players the Giants brought in last year proved to be a good indication of whom they targeted during the draft and as undrafted free agents. LB Clint Sintim, WR Ramses Barden, TE Travis Beckum, CB Vince Anderson and recently signed TE Carson Butler all were part of the Giants’ 30 allotted visits last year, so we’ll try our best to get all of the names again this year.

The National Football Post reported Friday night Tracy’s college teammate, DT Sean Lissemore, will work out for the Giants. But again, Lissemore is a Jersey native, so they can work him out without sacrificing another workout. Lissemore will likely be part of a mass workout of local draft-eligible players the Giants have in early to mid April.

Other local players scheduled to work out for the Giants include: Virginia LB Denzel Burrell (Newark native), Temple TE Steve Maneri (Saddle Brook), Duke LB Vincent Rey (Far Rockaway, N.Y.) and Rutgers TE Shamar Graves (Woodbridge).

Penn State LB Sean Lee will reportedly work out for the Giants, though it’s unclear if he’ll make a trip to East Rutherford as part of the 30 allotted visits.

When he tells you that he will be grateful for his chance no matter where he goes in the draft (or which team) you can’t help but feel inspired. And when that same person tells you that he took his college career seriously by being a double major (Biology & Zoology) with a minor (Forensic Science) you can’t help but wonder what else the scouts would ever want in terms of character.

Most people haven’t seen many Western Illinois football games over the last four years. But if you had you would have seen Stoudamire play in 42 of those games and record six interceptions. So why don’t more people know and love Patrick Stoudamire?

Perhaps the problem with Stoudamire is his size and athleticism. Stoudamire is over 5’10 which puts him at the same height as any corner that could go in the first. He also has a 4.4 40-time so there shouldn’t be much concern about his speed. Patrick also has two cousins (Salim and Damon) that have nearly 20 years of combined NBA experience under their belts, and another cousin (Chris Mims) who played eight seasons in the NFL. It is that type of family tree that scouts drool over and Stoudamire is no exception.

What about the question of talent Stoudamire faced in 1-AA? Sure he may not have faced great talent all of the time, but in games against Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Illinois the entire team only allowed three total passing TDs. Stoudamire can go against anyone (2 PBU against Arkansas), and he makes defenses better. Corners from the 1-AA football have also done a good job of transitioning to the NFL better than any other position as of late.

So if his framework, mindset, experience and talent level isn’t a problem what about his game tape and statistics? Stoudamire was only able to round up six interceptions in 42 starts, but it’s hard to blame a player who isn’t thrown to. And statistically in those 42 starts Stoudamire has 41 passes defended and 35 passes broken up. Those are some amazing numbers that are more impressive than a bunch of interceptions. Tell me why Nnamdi Asomugha’s three interceptions over the last three seasons isn’t a relevant stat and you might understand why Stoudamire has earned his hall pass.

Every fan should want Patrick Stoudamire Junior on their team, and the 31 teams that don’t take him will remember him for the next 10 years.

Mike Harman: It’s hard for the common fan to follow the leathernecks football, so how would you describe your game style?

Patrick Stoudamire Jr: My game style is confident and with swag. As a corner you have to have some swag about you, and I play to try and make my receiver have a long day by always being in his face.

MH: My favorite corner is Nnamdi Asomugha from the Raiders, and one thing I keep hearing about you is that you compare to him in that nobody ever wants to throw against you. Is there a specific NFL corner that you think you compare to well?

PS: Champ (Bailey), a lock down corner. I love him (Asomugha) too, and it hurt me this season because no one threw to my side- only about 2-3 times a game that it is-. So coming from a small school you need a lot of stats and the reason why I don’t is because of that reason. Even at the East-West game they didn’t throw to my side, they looked and turned the other way the whole game.

MH: What are some of the things that you have been working on for scouts to see at your pro day on Tuesday the 23rd?

PS: I’m getting ready for the 40-time. I plan on doing a lot of starts because that’s the difference between a 4.5, 4.4 and a 4.3.

MH: Very true. And what time are your predicting?

PS: Low 4.4, trying to break 4.4 though. When I was down in Florida on fast turf I hit 4.38 and low 4.4s so I am getting focused to run no higher than a 4.48. It’s hard to say because some surfaces are faster than others, and some are slow.

MH: Is there a specific receiver that you look forward to facing off against at the next level?

PS: Donald Driver. He is fast and is a very polished receiver and considered to be one of the best. I would love to go there to play with their corners, and it would be great to learn from them.

MH: Good call. A lot of their DB are getting up there in years and that would be a fun place to compete with some of the best. Would you mind playing out in the frozen tundra or any other cold weather place?

PS: No, I’m use to it being in Illinois and being from in Portland, Oregon.

MH: It’s kind of weird that you went from Portland to the Midwest, because I’m from the Midwest (Iowa) and moved to school in Eugene, OR. I heard that you had a little beef with the Northern Iowa Panthers. Why the hate?

PS: Only because they are the best. I love the competition.

MH: Rumor is that your coach back at Western Illinois wasn’t a huge fan of you doing kick returns, and yet on your first one in practice you took it to the house. Any truth to the myth?

PS: Yeah I thought I was going to be the return guy but they said that I was the best corner and that they did not want me to get hurt and also going straight back on defense afterwards. I really wanted to and persisted but they wouldn’t let me so I caught some in the East-West practices against the look team to show them I can return. I also used to be a punt and kickoff returner in high school.

MH: Did you play corner in college because of the potential playing time, or did the coaches see something in you that they liked for a corner?

PS: I actually thought that I was going to play offense in college because I played running back, wide receiver and quarterback in an option style play. I also played corner in high school and was considered an athlete that could play anywhere, and they needed a corner so that’s where I began. I love being on an island and you have got to be an athlete to play corner.

MH: Have you heard much as to what part of the draft you may land?

PS: No I haven’t, but more than likely the fifth to seventh rounds. God has a plan for me whether I go in the third, in the fifth, or even in free agency, and I will be grateful.

MH: That’s one trait that I think most prospects don’t quite understand. It isn’t solely about where they go; it’s more about the chance to go and how their places in football future don’t depend on a round.

PS: Exactly. It doesn’t control how good of a player you will be in the NFL, just how you did in college. In the past some of the people that go in the 1st and 2nd rounds are not good in the NFL, and some of the late round picks become your franchise players.

MH: And finally, give a sentence to scouts and draft experts as to why teams should draft you.

PS: I am a hard worker and am always open to learning new things that the NFL coaches can teach me to better my game and I will produce.

Scout.com also mentions that the Bills also have interest in Foote.

You remember the wild man of Lubbock. Carter’s Mohawk haircut, painted face, tattooed body and ringed lip made him an iconic figure in Big 12 football. Iconic and cartoonish.

But none of that persona was evident Thursday in Lucas Oil Stadium, where Carter began the interview process with prospective NFL teams.

“Every team has asked about it,” Carter said of his appearance. “They think I have a questionable character because of the image they perceived. But once you get to know me, you realize I’m not a headcase. I get pumped up; that’s what every team needs to do.”

Carter sported a regular haircut Thursday and said the Mohawk is gone. And the painted face is in his past. “I’m done with that,” Carter said.

Carter, an offensive tackle, is projected as a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick. Tech linemen often have to overcome the stigma of playing in Mike Leach’s severe spread, with linemen splits as wide as two or three yards and never in a three-point stance. That kind of formation does not work in the NFL.

But Carter noted the four Tech offensive linemen in the NFL and said the adjustment is easy.

“I played in the East-West All-Star Game,” Carter said. “The first day (of practice) took some getting used to. But the second day, I had no issues. I don’t think it will be that big a deal for me.”

Carter said every Tech lineman is like a tackle, on an island by himself. Now, for the first time in his life, he’ll actually be double-teaming defenders on occasion. Carter said the Tech alums have told him it’s easier playing in tighter formation.

“A guy a foot to your right and a foot to your left, you’ve got guys to help,” Carter said. “The main thing is, it’s a talent upgrade.”

Carter was suspended for a game in September by undisclosed reasons and was one of the outspoken Red Raiders who did not support the embattled Leach in December, when Tech eventually fired its long-time coach.

“I always liked Coach Leach,” Carter said. “He made some questionable calls this year. What happened happened. I hope he finds somewhere else to coach. He’ll move on to bigger and better things.”