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UNC Football Alumni in the NFL: Eric Ebron has career day in Colts’ win

By Zack Pearson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 11: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 11: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Tight end Eric Ebron is benefitting from his new home in the NFL as he is having a monster season so far

Eric Ebron is having one heck of a season for the Indianapolis Colts.

The former University of North Carolina Tar Heels tight end turned in his most impressive performance in Week 10, helping the Colts get a much-needed over the New York Jets.

Ebron finished the game catching all three targets from quarterback Andrew Luck for 69 yards and two touchdowns. That included a long of 53, a pass he hauled in from Luck early in the first quarter to give the Colts an early 7-0 lead.

In addition to the two touchdown receptions, Ebron also had a two-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, his first of his career. He would score his third touchdown in the second quarter, catching a 12-yard pass from Luck to give the Colts a 21-7 lead.

With Ebron’s three touchdowns, the Colts were able to fight off a late push by the Jacksonville Jaguars, winning the game 29-26 and improving to 4-5 on the season. The win also helped keep their playoff chances alive in the AFC South.

For Ebron, the change of scenery has helped revive his career.

After four seasons with the Detroit Lions, the team decided to not pickup the former first-round pick’s fourth-year option, making him a free agent. Ebron quickly found a new home, agreeing to a deal with the Colts in he offseason.

In nine games this season, Ebron has 39 receptions for 463 yards and 10 total touchdowns. He had just 11 total touchdowns in his four seasons with the Lions and is currently out-producing every single Lions tight end combined this season.

For a guy who is splitting time with fellow tight end Jack Doyle, Ebron has become a favorite target of Luck.

Since Luke returned from his injury, he looks like the quarterback the Colts hoped they would have when they drafted him No. 1 overall. Now he has another weapon in Ebron and it doesn’t look like the tight end is slowing down anytime soon.

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