April 26, 2010

Bronx, N.Y. - Moments after the 2010 National Football League draft was completed, Fordham University senior offensive lineman Andrew Tyshovnytsky received a phone call he has been waiting for. The call was from the Indianapolis Colts, who offered him a free agent contract. Tyshovnytsky will join quarterback John Skelton, who was selected in the fifth round of the draft by the Arizona Cardinals, in an NFL camp this summer.

The free agent contract adds to the honors received by Tyshovnytsky this year. Last month he was named the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year, an award that recognizes a student-athlete's dedication to strength training and conditioning. It was the third accolade garnered by Tyshovnytsky, who was named to the ECAC FCS All-Star Team in December and First Team All-Patriot League in November.

A three-year starter on the offensive line, Tyshovnytsky started all eleven games at right tackle for Fordham this fall. He was a cog on the offensive line that helped the Rams set the school record for total offense in a season, amassing 5,377 yards, eclipsing the former record of 4,995 yards set by the 2002 team. The Rams led the NCAA FCS in total offense (488.82 yards/game) and were second in passing offense (337.09 yards/game) and tied for second in first downs per game (23.64).

Tyshovnytsky also protected quarterback John Skelton, who set single season and career marks for most receptions, most passing yards and most passing touchdowns.

Tyshovnytsky turned scouts' heads at Fordham pro day, benching 250 pounds 34 times while turning in 4.88 and 4.85 times in two runs at the 40-yard dash.