Hartline, Torrence and Travis sign NFL contracts

Three more Stark County products are getting a chance to show their abilities in an NFL training camp.

Quarterback Mike Hartline, defensive back Devon Torrence and tight end Ryan Travis have signed to get the opportunity to play professionally.

Hartline, a GlenOak High School graduate and three-year starter at the University of Kentucky, signed with the Indianapolis Colts where he was a chance to back-up superstar Peyton Manning.

Torrence, a Canton South High School graduate and two-year starter at Ohio State University, is headed to the Minnesota Vikings.

Travis, a Tuslaw High School graduate and former starter at West Liberty University, is bound for the Seattle Seahawks.

The Colts feature Manning at quarterback with Purdue’s Curtis Painter, a 2009 sixth-round pick, and former Ball State quarterback Nate Davis, who has spent two seasons in the NFL, as backups.

The 6-foot-6 and 210-pound Hartline ranks fourth at Kentucky in career passing yards (5,680) and fifth in career touchdown passes (38). He threw for 3,178 yards last season with 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 405 attempts.

Mike’s older brother, Brian Hartline, is a receiver with the Miami Dolphins after starring at Ohio State.

The 6-foot-1 and 200-pound Torrence intercepted two passes last season, returning one for a touchdown against Penn State, and broke up eight passes. He was fourth on the Buckeyes with 52 tackles, 35 of which were solo.

Torrence compiled eight tackles, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble in Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl victory over Arkansas in January.

Hartline and Torrence each succeeded in Division I college football while Travis starred in Division II.

Travis, 6-foot-3 and 245-punds, was the only college player in the country who caught at least 10 passes in every game. His average of 12.6 receptions per game was No. 1 in the country and his 140.2 yards per game ranked second.