By Tyler Wooten
GoSycamores.com
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Former Sycamore football stars Mark Sewall (Chicago Bears) and Kendall Walker (Cincinnati Bengals) have been invited to participate in respective NFL rookie camps with the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals, respectively, following this past weekend's NFL Draft.
During their Indiana State careers, the duo combined for 516 tackles, 32.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, nine interceptions, 30 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. They were also an integral part of ISU's historic 2014 season, which saw the Sycamores finish 8-6 overall and earn ISU's first berth to the FCS Playoffs in 30 years – as well as the first playoff victory since 1983.
“I'm very excited and proud of Kendall and Mark,” said ISU head coach Mike Sanford. “The two of them getting this chance to prove they are capable of playing in the NFL is a credit to their hard work and the quality of the Indiana State football program, as well as the national respect for the Missouri Valley Football Conference. They deserve this opportunity and I wish them great success.”
Sewall – a native of Western Springs, Ill., and the brother of former Sycamore great Alex Sewall – was a two-time MVFC All-Academic honoree during a spectacular career that featured 238 total tackles (126 solo), 19.0 TFL, 1.0 sacks, eight INTs, 24 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and two blocks.
Sewall was also once the national player of the week during the 2014 season following an incredible game at Youngstown State that featured 12 tackles (seven solo), two fumble recoveries and the game-winning interception.
“I just want to say thank you to the ISU community, my coaches, my teammates, the fans and everyone who helped me get to this point,” Sewall said. “I'm incredibly excited for this opportunity, and I plan on making the most of it.”
Walker, a native of Cincinnati, returns home to try out for the Bengals where his father, Kevin, enjoyed a four-year NFL career. Like Sewall, Walker was also a two-time MVFC All-Academic selection.
In his career, Walker tallied 278 total tackles (129 solo), 13.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, one INT, six pass breakups and four forced fumbles. In 2014 alone, Walker helped the Sycamores out with 123 total tackles – the 14th-most in the single season in Indiana State history.
“I was able to go to the Bengals local prospect camp a few weeks ago and perform several on-field drills,” Walker said. “I received the call from (head coach) Marvin Lewis after the draft on Saturday night, stating that they were impressed with my resume and how I performed in their drills.”
“I would like to thank all of my family, close friends and my coaching staff for being very supportive during my training and this entire process,” Walker continued. “I would also like to thank Indiana State University for giving me an opportunity to compete all throughout my college career. I am honored and truly blessed for the opportunity to be invited to compete at the Bengals rookie mini-camp.”
For the latest information on the Sycamore Football team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook and Twitter.
