OxfordPress.com

TERRE HAUTE, Ind — Former Piqua High School and Ohio State University standout Quinn Pitcock has informed the Indianapolis Colts that he has retired from football.

According to a report from the Indianapolis Star, the '07 third-round draft pick was not available for comment. He played in nine games as a rookie defensive lineman last season, including one start. Pitcock, 24, was being groomed to back up starting defensive tackles Ed Johnson and Keyunta Dawson.

"After much deliberation and careful thought, Quinn resolved to retire from the NFL,'' Brad Leshnock, Pitcock's agent, said in an email to The Star late Tuesday. "He notified the Colts of this decision last week.

"Quinn is grateful for the opportunity the Colts gave him, and he wishes his teammates and the whole organization nothing but the best going forward.''

The Colts placed Pitcock on the reserve/did not report list last Thursday after he failed to report for the start of training camp.