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CINCINNATI— What can a strong fourth preseason game do for one's NFL future?
Look no further than last year's preseason finale when the top 12 Colts tacklers from that game ended up on the team's 53-man roster.
Inside linebacker Mario Harvey and safety Larry Asante are hoping that trend continues.
Asante led the Colts with 13 tackles on Thursday night and was one of the individuals Chuck Pagano singled out during his post game press conference as making a lasting impression.
"I don't know how many tackles Larry made but it seemed like he made every one in the second half," Pagano said.
The next 36 hours for Asante is not foreign territory as he has bounced around three NFL teams since being chosen in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
His name is in the safety discussion thanks to the impact plays he has made over the final five quarters of his preseason.
Last week it was a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Browns.
On Thursday night for Asante, it was a sack, a fumble recovery and an always-important special teams tackle for guys hoping to fill out an NFL roster.
"All you can control is what you can control and that's your play out there on the field," Asante said following his 13-tackle night.
"Now, I'm going to leave the decision up to the coaches. I trust the coaches that they are going to make the right decisions and put the right guys on the 53-man roster."
Earlier this week, it was Harvey talking about what the final preseason game meant for his family and legacy.
After missing the first two preseason contests due to injury, Harvey has piled up 15 tackles (three for loss) in his two games of action.
"I put everything out on the field. My destiny is out of my hands now," Harvey said. "I think I made an impression to show that I can help the team, whether they need me on defense or special teams."
Harvey is no stranger to a ton of reps in past preseason finales as last year he amassed six tackles (two for a loss) in earning a roster spot.
He would go on to play in 13 regular season games for the Colts but he knows that with a new year comes new decisions.
Now with his resume complete, including a key forced fumble on Thursday night, Harvey and a couple dozen Colts will anxiously wonder if their dream will continue.
"I did everything I was supposed to do as far as showing the coaches what I can do," Harvey said. "It's now up to their decision on whether or not they keep me around."
