WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ-  Monmouth University captains Mike Basile (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) and Alex Thompson (Lawnside, NJ/Haddon Heights/Milford) will continue their football careers in the National Football League teams on Saturday evening.
 
Thompson has signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens while Basile will begin his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts with a minicamp invite.
 
"We are very excited for Mike and Alex," said Monmouth Head Coach Kevin Callahan. "They were outstanding players at Monmouth, and they have worked tirelessly for this day. They have contributed more to Monmouth football than we can ever repay. Congratulations to both of them."

Basile graduates from Monmouth as the most decorated player in school history, earning consensus All-American honors as a junior and senior. He set the Monmouth record for career tackles with 433 this season and finished as a four-time First Team All-Big South selection, setting the conference record for solo stops with 285. The 2017 Big South Co-Defensive Player of the Year was named to the FCS ADA All-America Team, earning him the distinction of the top defensive back in the FCS. Basile also became the first Hawk to earn First Team All-American honors from the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. In addition to his staggering amount of tackles, the safety recorded 22 passes defended, eight interceptions, seven sacks and six blocked kicks.
 
"It's a great opportunity for me," said Basile.  "I was going into the day not expecting much, you obviously want to get drafted but everything will work out and I'm just grateful for the opportunity. The Colts were one of the teams that showed a lot of interest in me right from the start. I felt that with the safety position that I play, Indianapolis is one of the better chances for me to go in and make a team."
 
Thompson started 44 out of a possible 45 contest for the Blue & White at center. The three-time All-Big South selection led the way for a Monmouth offense that racked up an average of 413 yards and 35.2 points per game during the regular season. The consensus Third Team All-American guided a senior laden offensive line that saw the Hawks convert 89% of red zone chances while blocking for Monmouth's first 1,000 yard back since 2013.
 
"I think the Baltimore Ravens are a great organization to be a part of," said Thompson. "There are some opportunities on the offensive line there that will allow me to go down there and compete for a spot on this team. I head there for the rookie mini camp soon and will have an opportunity to stay up there and train with them."
 
The duo worked out on March 27^th at Monmouth's annual Pro Day in front of 21 different scouts from 18 league teams. Scouts from all 32 National Football League teams attended Monmouth practices and games this fall.
 
They will join four other former Monmouth University players currently in the NFL, including Chris Hogan (Patriots), Darnell Leslie (Steelers), Neal Sterling (Jets) and Hakeem Valles (Lions).
 
Monmouth will begin its 26^th season of football in 2018, opening up on August 31, 2018 against Eastern Michigan.