Five months ago, Mark Gagliano was sitting in Collierville, Tenn., wondering if he ever would get a shot at the NFL.

On Saturday, he was in Lafayette, Ind. competing against Indianapolis Colts punter Chris Gardocki.

The former Saluki punter signed as a free agent with the Colts Friday evening and spent Saturday and Sunday practicing with the team.

It was just an awesome, awesome weekend, Gagliano said. I am really excited that I got the chance to experience what life is like in the NFL. It was just a lot of fun, and the Colts are a neat team to be with.

The Colts are really a first-class organization and right down my alley.

Gagliano, who also talked to the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, flew to Lafayette, Thursday evening, took a physical Friday afternoon and signed a two-year contract with the club later that evening.

Gagliano, a Division I-AA All American who averaged a nation-best 45 yards per punt at SIUC last season, went through five practice sessions with the Colts, rubbing elbows with quarterback Jim Harbaugh and competing against Gardocki, the Colts’ Pro Bowl punter.

Gagliano said Gardocki not only gave him some pointers on making it in the NFL, but motivated him as well.

He is so consistent it’s unbelievable, Gagliano said of his competition. I tried like heck, but he is the most consistent punter in the NFL. Every ball was just perfect. I planned on getting some experience, but after I seen him punt, I just wanted to beat him.

But I can’t worry about him. I have to worry about me.

Exactly how long Gagliano will remain with the Colts is uncertain. Gagliano said he is unsure if he will make the team’s final cut, but he said he welcomes the opportunity the Colts have given him.

Gagliano’s contract does not guarantee a spot on the team. If cut, Gagliano is up for grabs, meaning any team in the NFL can sign him within 72 hours under his original contract. If he signs any later than that, Gagliano has to renegotiate his contract with whoever is interested.

The contract is a little confusing, he said. Basically it’s a commitment. If I’m cut, the Colts will waive me. Every team in the NFL would get a chance to sign me.

Ball State’s Brad Maynard was the only punter selected in the April 19 NFL Draft. Since then only four punters, including Gagliano, have signed contracts with the NFL.

If given a choice, Gagliano prefers to remain with the Colts.

I still have no idea exactly where I will end up. I’d really like to end up with the Colts, though, he said. Everyone there is so professional and were very helpful. It’s not like I don’t have a shot in the world.

Gagliano’s next step is to return to Lafayette July 5 for his second mini-camp, where he will be joined by all the Colts’ rookies. The team’s veterans will join the team a short time later.

For now, Gagliano plans on perfecting his game.

My holding is just fine, he said. Punting wise, I need to get my drop kick down and get more consistent. I know I’ve got to improve my hang time. I’ve got to get my drop down and get my foot on the ball quicker.