Indianapolis Colts second-round draft pick Julius Brents was asked during interviews Friday what it meant to be drafted by the team he grew up watching.
The Warren Central native had an answer that will surely resonate with many Colts fans.
“It’s crazy. You couldn’t write a better story than this. First and foremost man, just give my thanks to God. I feel like this is nothing but him, just being able to have this opportunity to play in my hometown,” Brents told reporters. “Being a Colts fan my whole life, growing up watching. Peyton Manning was my favorite player growing up with Bob Sanders. Now, just being able to put on that same Horseshoe man, it’s nothing short of a blessing.”
A fun fact about this pick is the parallel between the two defensive backs. Bob “The Eraser” Sanders was also a second-round draft pick. A physical talent out of Iowa, Sanders was selected at the exact same spot as Brents with the No. 44 overall pick by Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian back in 2004.
Sanders made the most of his selection with many accolades in a sadly shortened career.
Sanders was a cornerstone piece that helped a struggling Colts defense dominate the 2006 playoffs, including multiple key turnovers in Super Bowl XLI to seal the Colts’ victory over the Chicago Bears.
Another huge season would follow for Sanders in 2007 where he dominated week after week as one of the biggest hitters in the NFL. His impressive year culminated with him being selected as the AP Defensive Player of The Year.
Brents is in great company at the spot he was selected and comes into a great position for him to excel at the next level with the athletic traits he already possesses.
A jersey number choice of No. 21 would be very fun to see dominating in the secondary for the Indianapolis Colts once again.
