Former UNA kicker signs with Indianapolis Colts

Former North Alabama kicker Taylor Pontias attempts a field goal against Western Oregon in UNA’s homecoming game Oct. 4, 2014. Pontias signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts May 20, 2015.

Former UNA kicker Taylor Pontius signed an NFL contract with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent May 20.

Pontius performed a tryout with the Colts during a three-day rookie mini-camp. He was an All-Gulf South Conference selection in 2014 for the Lions, leading the team in scoring with 79 points.

“I’m very proud of him and really excited he has this opportunity,” said UNA special teams coach Mike King. “There are only 32 of those jobs in the whole world and he has an opportunity to kick on the best level (of football).”

Pontius received attention from pro scouts after nailing a school record 54-yard field goal against Valdosta State University to win 31-29 as time expired.

“That kick was the coming-out party for Taylor,” King said. “He had some ups and downs early on, but that kick put him on the map and caught the attention of scouts quickly.”

Pontius is the 66th UNA football player to sign an NFL contract and the 47th to do so undrafted.

King said Pontius has strong kicking power, which helps him stand out from other kickers.

“He has the leg explosion you would need for the NFL,” King said. “54 yards is a nice kick, and he probably would have made it from 60 yards. Many people forget he lead the nation in touchbacks on his kickoffs as well.”

Pontius will work alongside 20-year veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is the oldest active player in the NFL at 42 years old. Vinatieri has been to five Super Bowls and won four.