Former Oregon running back CJ Verdell signs as undrafted free agent with Indianapolis Colts

On3 imageby:Jarrid Denney04/30/22

jarrid_denney

Former Oregon star running back CJ Verdell will get his shot at a pro career.

Verdell, who was not selected during the seven-round 2022 NFL Draft, signed as an undrafted free agent on Saturday according to a report from Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.

Verdell saw his decorated Oregon career come to a premature end in 2021 when he suffered a season-ending injury in the Ducks’ Week 5 loss at Stanford. Prior to that, he was a darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate and one of the most productive running backs in the country.

Throughout four seasons, Verdell ran for 2,929 yards and 27 touchdowns on 542 carries. He is the program’s No. 6 all-time leading rusher.

Verdell also caught 58 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns as a Duck.

After his season-ending injury, Verdell was eligible to return to Eugene for one more season but opted to turn pro and put up respectable numbers during Oregon’s pro day as he continue to work his way back to full health.

Verdell is one of four former Ducks who are known to have signed as undrafted free agents at this point, joining Verone McKinley III, who signed with the Miami Dolphins, and Anthony Brown Jr. and Devon Williams, who both signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

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