ORONO, Maine -- Former University of Maine football all-conference player Trevor Bates (Westbrook, Maine) was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 239th pick in the seventh round of the 2016 National Football League Draft on Saturday, April 30.

Bates is the first Black Bear to be drafted since Kendall James was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 184th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Bates, who was selected to the 2015 All-CAA first team, finished his senior season second on the team with 57 tackles and led the team in sacks with 7.5. Bates ranked third in the league in tackles for loss (14.5) and third in sacks while adding two pass breakups, a forced fumble and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

A three-time all-conference selection, Bates earned a selection to the 2015 Division-I All-New England Football team as well as an ECAC Division I Football Championship Subdivision All-Star first team honor.

During his time at Maine, Bates played in 46 games, tallying 207 tackles (35 for loss), with 19 sacks three interceptions, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and nine pass breakups.

Bates is the 55th Black Bear to join a NFL team and the 16th to be officially selected in the NFL Draft.

-UMaine-