Zavier Scott and Michael Gerace of the University of Maine football team are headed to Indianapolis for the Colts’ rookie mini camp on Thursday.
Scott, a dual-threat offensive weapon, received an undrafted free agent contract with the Colts for an undisclosed amount of money. While many teams reached out to the All-CAA third team selection after Scott went undrafted over the weekend, Scott felt Indianapolis was the best fit for him.
“We were just hoping to hear my name called throughout the draft and that didn’t happen, obviously,” Scott said. “So after, we had teams that were very interested, and we made a good decision with what best would fit me. Me and my agent really were happy with the decision.”
Scott and Gerace are the only members of the Black Bears’ most recent class who have received offers to continue playing football at the professional level. Their former teammate Andre Miller is playing for the New York Giants’ practice squad, and former Black Bear Pat Ricard plays fullback for the Baltimore Ravens.
In his final season at UMaine, Scott caught 42 passes for 434 yards and a touchdown. Scott also ran for four touchdowns and 371 yards. Heading into the rookie mini camp, Scott is focused on his mindset.
“I’ve learned over my time that these guys all have the physical capabilities,” Scott said. “Even a lot of guys have the physical capabilities in college, but the mindset is really what transforms you as a player. I’m gonna go in there with confidence, knowing that I’m capable and knowing that I belong.”
Scott’s teammate and good friend, Gerace, is heading to the rookie mini camp on a tryout invitation. Having played at all five positions on the offensive line at UMaine, Gerace did some research and saw that of the lineman spots, the Colts are lightest at right guard.
After sitting on the couch from Thursday night to Saturday night watching all 259 picks tick past in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gerace and his agent spoke with multiple teams before deciding to fly to Indianapolis.
“I was excited,” Gerace said of the decision. “I mean, it’s something every kid dreams of, and I’ve had the opportunity to be able to live that dream. So I’m excited to get out to Indianapolis on Thursday and just showcase my talents.”
Gerace said that if he doesn’t make the Colts’ roster after the first week of rookie mini camp that he’ll tryout with the Washington Commanders the following week.
“Indianapolis, they’re in a search for the right guard position, so I’ve been looking at competition and kind of seeing what’s gonna be the best fit for myself there,” Gerace said.
“The biggest thing right now for me is just to get a contract. I’m not too worried about the region or the city right now. I just want to get that contract and sign the papers.”
Both Gerace and Scott are excited to try out together at mini camp.
“I’m excited to see what he does out in rookie camp as well,” Gerace said of Scott. “He had the opportunity to sign a free agent contract with them, which I’m more than stoked for. I’m excited to see a familiar face in Indianapolis when I go this week.”
Scott said he would like to continue playing with Gerace.
“He’s a great leader, a great player and I’m just excited to see what me and him do, and I know we’ll both give it our all, and I know that we both put the work in.”
Scott knew Colts assistants Brian Mason, the Colts’ special teams coordinator, and Joe Hastings, an assistant special teams coach, from when they recruited Scott in high school at Ohio State and Michigan, respectively.
Both are ready to fit into any role for the Colts that will keep them on the team.
“My versatility and my value on special teams, I’ve taken pride in that throughout college, and it showed and they see that as well,” Scott said. “Being able to be that guy who can play running back and receiver at a high level, being that guy who can be that special teams ace who can go anywhere on the special teams, whatever it calls for, I can do that. That’s something I’ve always taken pride in.”
Both spoke with former UMaine players that reached the NFL, with Gerace talking with Matt Mulligan and Scott speaking with Miller, who is a tight end on the New York Giants’ practice squad.