NORMAL - Punter Bobby Kelsey has become the third Illinois State senior from 2008 to sign an NFL free agent contract. Kelsey has agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles and will leave Monday to work with Philadelphia special teams coaches.

"The whole process has reminded me of the college recruiting process," Kelsey said. "I just had to be patient and wait for things to happen. I'm excited about the opportunity. Now it is up to me to do my part."

Kelsey averaged 41.1 yards per punt last season and helped ISU lead the Missouri Valley Conference and rank ninth nationally in net punting.

Kelsey is the fifth Redbird currently on an NFL roster. He joins Laurent Robinson (St. Louis), Aveion Cason (Detroit) and recently signed free agents Walter Mendenhall (Philadelphia) and Tom Nelson (Cincinnati).

ISU signs defensive back: ISU has received a national letter of intent from defensive back Troy Randle of Houston.

"We feel like we're a little thin in the secondary. We thought we needed a guy we can develop for the future," Redbird coach Brock Spack said. "Troy is a physical kid. We liked the way he hit on tape. He can be a corner or a safety."

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Randle graduated from Cypress Springs High School. He spent the 2008 season at Southeast Prep in Houston where he ranked second with 85 tackles on an 8-2 team.

Randle will have four years of eligibility at ISU.