Two UWA players sign with Kansas City

LIVINGSTON – University of West Alabama safety Otha Foster and defensive end Ridge Wilson have signed free agent contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League.

Both were first team All-Gulf South Conference and All-America performers after helping lead the Tigers to the 2012 GSC championship. Wilson was named the 2012 GSC Defensive Player of the Year.

Wilson led UWA in tackles with 69, tackles for loss with 18 and sacks with 11. In addition to his all-conference, all-region and all-America honors, Wilson was twice named the GSC defensive player of the week and was one of only two defensive players in the final 24 for the Harlon Hill Trophy. He led the GSC in tackles for loss.

“Ridge really helped raise our program to another level since he stepped on campus. He came in with a humble mindset and dominated from day one,” Hall said. “The Chiefs are getting two quality people.”

Foster finished the 2012 season with 54 total tackles, 37 solo stops. He led the team and the GSC in interceptions with six and was third in the league with 12 passes defended. Foster also returned a fumble 41 yards for a touchdown. He was named the GSC defensive player of the week after a three-interception performance in a victory over eventual national champion Valdosta State.

“I am so thrilled for these two young men. Otha is such a fantastic player and an even better person,” UWA head football coach Will Hall said. “A guy that showed up every single day with an attitude to be the best he could be.

“This is another huge step for our program,” Hall said. “Our program is so thankful to have had these two young men in it.”