Missouri State University

SPRINGFIELD - Missouri State product Kolby Hurt, a native of Boonville, Mo., signed a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday (July 26).  The former MSU outside linebacker said he will be heading to New Orleans early Wednesday to begin his NFL dreams.

"I'm definitely excited about it," Hurt said. "I'm glad somebody is giving me a chance. It's a job that's mine to go get, and I'm anxious to get down there."

Hurt said the Saints want to work him out as a fullback and use his strength and speed to fill a position need.  Free agents could begin signing contracts today, but Hurt says teams were on the move last night getting their undrafted talent lined up.

"I had a scout call last night and ask if I was interested," Hurt explained. "I said I was for sure. It was a nice surprise."

Hurt turned the heads of NFL scouts at the Missouri State Pro Day on March 18 at Plaster Field. The event resembles a mini NFL Combine setting. Hurt ran a 4.51 40-yard dash and showed up in tremendous physical condition for his Pro Day opportunity.

He is coming off an injury-plagued senior season in which he played just six games, starting three, while recording 13 tackles.  He also had a sack and nine solo tackles during the Bears' 5-6 campaign in 2010 that saw Terry Allen's squad tie for third place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with a 4-4 record.  Hurt earned four letters at Missouri State and played in 34 games from 2007-10 with 54 total tackles.