April 28, 2008

By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Former Southern Illinois University quarterback Nick Hill and offensive tackle Darren Marquez signed free agent contracts. Hill agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears and Marquez signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Hill and Marquez signed three-year contracts with their respective organizations.

A native of nearby DuQuoin, the 6-2, 214-pound Hill started all 14 games for the Salukis in 2007. A first-team all-Gateway Conference pick, he completed 258-of-361 passes for 3,175 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Marquez, also a first-team all-Gateway selection, started 13 games for SIU in 2007. He hails from New Orleans, La., and stands at 6-4, 280 pounds.

Both Hill and Marquez head to mini-camp Thursday.

In other news . . .

Former SIU defensive tackle Larry Luster and running back John Randle received invitations to rookie camps. Luster was invited by the Detroit Lions and Randle was invited by the Kansas City Chiefs.