TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Indiana State football wide receiver Justin Hilton has signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League as announced officially by the professional organization late Wednesday night.

In 2011, Hilton led the team with 32 pass receptions for 540 yards, averaging 16.9 yards per catch. He scored four touchdowns, including a long pass reception of 70 yards at Western Kentucky. He had a season-best six receptions for 143 yards with two touchdowns versus the Hilltoppers.

In 2010, he was named an honorable mention selection to the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference squad and was a member of the MVFC All-Newcomer Team. He finished the season with 40 pass receptions and 684 yards with seven touchdowns, which are one shy of the school record. Hilton ranked in the Top 12 in the MVFC for pass receptions per game as well as receiving yards per game.

Hilton is one of 14 college free agent signees announced by the Bengals following the 2012 NFL draft. He will report to the team's rookie minicamp from May 11-13 in Cincinnati.