Ulysses

Bentley

An exclusive rights free agent, Ajiake had 32 tackles and played 70 percent of the Colts special teams snaps this year. He also saw some sparse time at linebacker, with 157 defensive snaps over 16 games. The Colts also agreed to terms with RB Ulysses Bentley IV, CB Wyett Ekeler, DE Viliami Fehoko Jr., G LaDarius Henderson, QB Seth Henigan, T Bayron Matos, C Jimmy Morrissey, TE Sean McKeon, S Trey Washington, WR Coleman Owen, DT Tim Smith, G Bill Murray, DE Durell Nchami, S Ben Nikkel, WR Eli Pancol and G Josh Sills on reserve/future contracts.

The front office also waived DT Pheldarius Payne and officially signed undrafted free agent RB Ulysses Bentley IV. Mafi and Payne could find their way back to the Colts’ practice squad at some point.

Bentley (5’10/201) started his college career with three seasons at SMU, transferring to Ole Miss in 2022 for three more seasons. His best year was a 913-yard, 11-touchdown 2020 with the Mustangs. He followed that up with 610 rushing yards and four scores in 2021 before transferring to a reserve role in Oxford. Bentley saw just 84 carries and 13 receptions in his final season, looking at his best on long runs with multiple carries over 50 yards. However, he ran a 4.62 40-yard dash, the slowest among running backs at the NFL Combine. Bentley ultimately profiles as a complementary back at the next level, with kick return experience giving him special teams utility.

Bentley (5'10"/184) led the Mustangs in rushing in 2020, but saw his lead back role taken away by North Texas transfer Tre Siggers for 2021. He was still the secondary back, rushing 96 times for 610 yards and five total touchdowns. Bentley has a lot to offer, averaging 6.4 yards per carry last year, and a lot of his lack of carries stems from an injury against Navy that kept him very limited for three games. He was first-team All-ACC in 2020 and co-rookie of the year, and still made second-team in a shortened year for him.

Despite injuring his ankle last week, Bentley (5'10"/184) seemed totally fine in this one, juking and jiving all over the UCF defense. His 54-yard touchdown run was a masterpiece. He patiently waited for the hole to develop, hit it hard, made a double move, threw a man down on a stiff arm and then juked another into the next dimension before crossing the plane. Even his shorter runs were highlights, turning what should have been small or negative gains into positive yards with his elusiveness. To be fair, UCF couldn’t tackle a thing, but it was still impressive, especially coming on a supposedly injured ankle. Bentley and Siggers form a formidable rushing duo, with Siggers bringing the power and Bentley providing the speed, and they’ll need to be at their best when SMU takes on Cincinnati next Saturday.

Bentley (5'10/184) has been banged up for much of this season, which has limited his ability to build on an excellent 2020 campaign. At first glance, the sophomore being dressed out is a positive sign with regard to his availability. That being said, Bentley’s reps ahve been limited due to the injuries, so CFB fantasy players may want to look for alternate options.

Head Coach Sonny Dykes said today that he thought this was a new injury, but it turns out that he reinjured it. “He just gives us a big-play spark ... we certainly miss that part of the game.” Bentley IV (5'10/184) got hurt on a 46-yard carry that ended up being called back due to a penalty in the second quarter. The hope is that he won’t miss anytime, which would be ideal for the Mustangs, as he is a vital part of their offense.

Bentley was the leading rusher for the Mustangs through the first four weeks, including two games over 140 yards. He’s averaging 7.4 yards per carry this year, and will be a big boost as SMU gears up for the most important part of their season.

Siggers (5'8/200) filled in well for the injures Ulysses Bentley IV and the Mustangs offense didn’t miss a beat. He capped off the first touchdown drive of the evening in the middle of the first quarter from one yard out to put the Mustangs up 10-0. His second touchdown was the final dagger for the Green Wave, as he took a handoff around left end for a nearly untouched score to bring the lead to 38-13. With his success tonight, potentially missing Bentley IV against Houston next Saturday feels a little less impactful.

Bentley (5'10/184) who was injured during the Mustangs’ win over TCU on September 25, did not play in the win over USF. The sophomore running back was thought to be on the right track earlier this week, and that has been confirmed by the fact that he’s in uniform. If Bentley encounters any issues Saturday afternoon, the Mustangs can always look to Tre Siggers for more production.