UW-Eau Claire’s very own Isiah Cage has the opportunity to continue his football career and live out his childhood dream after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.

His drive and passion for the game shows in the way Cage played for the Blugolds, where he started 24 of his 27 games and earned All-WIAC honors three times.

Because of Cage’s performance on the field last season, he was invited to participate at the Wisconsin Badgers Pro Day on March 9. Cage was joined by four other WIAC athletes in addition to 12 UW-Madison football players.

Out of everyone at the Pro Day, Cage put up the top number of reps for bench press (225 pounds) with 26.

Along with Cage, two other WIAC student-athletes have been given opportunities with NFL teams. UW-Oshkosh tight end Joe Schommers signed with the Chicago Bears.

UW-Stevens Point linebacker Aaron Karlen earned a rookie tryout with the Seattle Seahawks.

The WIAC has been known as powerhouse conference across the nation with teams ranked nationally every season.

According to wiacsports.com, there have been 31 players in the NFL draft since 1951.

Cage looks to represent the WIAC and Blugolds as he pursues his rookie year for the Colts.

“I plan to make the roster my first year with the Colts. And if not, I want to be on the practice squad,” Cage said. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes and do whatever coach needs me to.”

Doing whatever it takes seems to be a common theme for Cage’s life while being a student-athlete at Eau Claire.

He commutes twice a week to the Twin Cities to train with a personal trainer. In addition to driving back and forth twice a week, he finds time to work out another two times in Eau Claire. If that’s not enough, Cage is also finishing up his final few weeks of senior year where he is studying criminal justice.

“Being in football has taught me how to manage my time efficiently,” Cage said. “Commuting back and forth, finding time for school and the excitement of signing has been different, but I’ve had a lot on my plate this whole semester so I’m used to it.”

The Colts have a need for protection on the offensive side of the ball. Cage, who played offensive tackle for the Blugolds, was told by the Colts coaching staff they are interested in him playing guard to start off his rookie season.

“They want me to play as a guard, which is something I’m not accustomed to,” Cage said. “I’m ready to get to work with professional trainers to improve my interior skills so I can be ready to play guard.”

Switching positions isn’t the only change Cage will have to do as he prepares for his rookie year. Transitioning from NCAA Division III to the NFL is no small task, but Cage is ready to take the challenge head on.

“The coaching staff here at Eau Claire has done a great job preparing me both on the field and off the field,” Cage said. “I’ve grown as a man and football player in my time at Eau Claire, and I can’t thank my coaches enough. While there is going to be a big difference in speed and size while going from D3 to NFL, the coaching staff has done the best they can in preparing me.”

If Cage does get the opportunity to step on the field as a Colt, he would be the first Blugold to compete at that level since 1987.