On Monday, ESPN’s John Clayton blogged that Indy was only ‘thinking’ about signing former running back Dominic Rhodes, after he was cut from the Oakland Raiders.

Then yesterday, NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reported that Rhodes was close to reaching a deal to return to the Colts for the 2008 season.

Schefter’s news has since been confirmed by the Indianapolis Star. Rhodes has signed a one year deal with the team.

The Colts signing of Rhodes brings another option to the team for Joseph Addai’s backup. Many are wondering how this will affect Mike. And while I cannot speak for him, I’d like to think that this signing will have little impact on him, his goals, and his work ethic.

Mike is still going to give his all in practice and training sessions. He has the inner drive to want to be the best player he can be. So bringing in more competition at his position isn’t likely to affect his mindset. He’s an extremely hard worker who will push himself and his teammates. The best player will see the field regardless.

So if you’re worried about how Mike is going to handle this, don’t be. Mike Hart will be just fine.

Mike’s next activity with the Colts is a mandatory 3-day minicamp beginning May 16. This session will be attended by the entire team, and not just the rookies.

After a rookie-only introductory weekend in which they started to get acclimated to the Colts system and playbook, the group will be tested when they practice with the veterans.

Coach Dungy came away impressed after the rookie minicamp, which bodes well for the new Colts.

Colts.com has posted a story about the 1st day of Rookie camp. Good read. Check it out!

Mike shared the story of meeting his new QB, Peyton Manning, for the first time. And like many of the other rookies, there was an overall sense of awe at the Colts practice facility. As their first practice as a Colts flew by, it started to sink in that they are finally in the NFL.

Here is a great quote from Mike that probably sums up the mindsets of the other rookies:

“Any time you get a chance to be on a team that can be in the Super Bowl every year, it’s a great opportunity. I’m just coming out here, trying to compete and make the team. It’s weird to put on different colors, a different helmet, but it’s great. It’s a new opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Check out the accompanying video from Colts.com below the cut…
Read the rest…

WSYR, NewsChannel 9, in Syracuse, sat down with Mike after the draft to talk about his experience, his outlook, and goals for him time in Indy. Watch the video beneath the jump.
Read the rest…

Mike was previously scheduled to appear at an autograph signing on Sunday at Gibralter Trade Center in Taylor, MI as part of the Michigan Sports Card Show.

However, due to his Colts team committments, and this weekend’s rookie mini-camp, it has been cancelled. A reschedule date has yet to be named. As soon as that information surfaces, I will be sure to pass it along.

After a 4-year hiatus at the University of Michigan, where he sported the #20 jersey, Mike has now returned to the number he wore during his high school years, #32.

Looks good, doesn’t it?

Mike will make his debut as a Colt on Friday when he reports to the Rookie mini-camp along with the 8 other draftees and 13 free agents.

“Pun intended, this was a heart pick by everyone in our room. Every one who saw him play said they’d love to have him on our team. He ran a bad 40, but everything else is in line with the other backs we’ve had here. We’re thrilled to have Mike, and he was a popular pick in our room.”

Colts President, Bill Polian

The Indianapolis Colts already have a new write-up on Mike’s draft selection on the official team website, www.colts.com.

While Mike obviously did not enjoy the suspense of having to wait until the late 6th round to be selected, he most certainly came out of the situation with the right mindset; increased motivation.

“That’s one thing I kept talking about when I kept slipping and slipping – it’s got me a little fired up. I’m ready to go. I’m back like it’s my freshman year. It brought me back down to earth. Now, I have to go in there and compete and try to prove myself again. I’m ready to get going and get to playing football again.”

Earlier in the week Sports Illustrated writer Ross Tucker profiled the different attitudes that drafted players may adopt after this weekend is over.

Tucker starts the discussion with the “chip on the shoulder” player that is a little peeved that so many teams passed on him. His draft experieces serves as motivation to prove the teams and their scouts wrong. In short, he will make them regret their decisions. I think Mike falls in this category and mostly because he’s been that guy his entire career. People have always been telling him that he’s too small, too slow, too something to excel and he’s made it his job to work hard and prove them wrong.

He just as easily could have turned up in Cleveland or Miami with his former teammates. As he continued to remain on the board, both clubs were talking free agency contracts with him. He was getting ready to approach his career from the standpoint that he could choose his destination. But then Indy called and that’s that. He’s set to challenge currently embattled RB backup Kenton Keith for playing time. Mike already has a bit of head start as the Colts run a variation of the zone scheme that Michigan did.

Read Mike’s NFL Draft blogs here. Great read from his perspective.

Mike Hart has already accomplished so much and proven so many incorrect in their predictions. I don’t see how his NFL career will be any different. I just can’t wait to see it unfold! And just a note, Mike-Hart.org isn’t going anywhere. This site will live on as Mike focuses on making the roster of the Indianapolis Colts.

It took much longer than any of us thought it would, but Mike Hart has been drafted. The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the 6th round with the 202 overall pick.

Congrats, Mike!

The 1st day of the 2008 NFL Draft has how finished, and as expected, Mike Hart was not selected.

However, if you’re a Michigan fan you can’t help but be excited by the moves the Miami Dolphins have made on Day 1.

We already knew that left tackle Jake Long was the top pick. But, late in the 2nd round, the ‘phins drafted QB Chad Henne. So the chemistry that Jake and Chad had has the potential to grow even stronger at the next level! Can’t wait to see it transpire!

I’ll be tuning in again tomorrow to see what intelligent and fortunate team selects Mike. I think it’d be too much to hope he turns up in Miami too, wouldn’t it?