The 2016 NFL Draft has come and gone, and with it comes undeniable pride and excitement in the form of local student-athletes taking their talents, work ethic, and skillsets to the professional level. In the Game Sports Network would like to recognize three gridiron stars as they ended their respective weekends with tremendous news of being welcomed to the exclusive brotherhood that is the National Football League.
- Malcolm Mitchell, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots (Fourth round, 112th pick): The benefits continue to fall in line for Mitchell; after successfully launching “Read with Malcolm”, a program that stresses the importance of reading to elementary-age children, he was taken in this year’s draft by one of the perennial powerhouses of the league. At 6’1” and right around 200 pounds, he finished his career at the University of Georgia third in school history with 174 receptions totaling 2,350 yards and 16 touchdowns. After overcoming multiple surgeries on his right knee, he was taken by the defending AFC East Champions in Round Four.
- Tyreek Hill, Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs (Fifth round, 165th pick): A track and football phenom at Coffee County High brings his speed to the Midwest. Hill, who is known to have world-class, Olympic speed didn’t have the usual collegiate career as some of the other talents that got drafted. Due to off the field troubles, he bounced around from Garden City CC (KS) and Oklahoma State before his final year at West Alabama. He became the first UWA player drafted in over 40 years after finishing the season with 1,400 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns.
- Jay Rome, Tight End, Pittsburgh Steelers (Undrafted, Signed on April 30): The former Valdosta High star will be suiting up in familiar attire; after a career with the Georgia Bulldogs, the 2011 VHS graduate will go back to sporting the black and gold for the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 6’6” and 250 pounds, Rome was an Under Armour All-American as a Wildcat. During his career at UGA, Rome battled various injuries but was still a force for the SEC East Bulldogs; he tallied 38 receptions for 398 yards and three touchdowns while donning the black and red.
- Cedric O’Neal, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles (Undrafted; Signed on April 30): O’Neal made a name for himself as a prime option for the Valdosta State University Blazers; he finished his collegiate career as the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards and career touchdowns. At 6’0” and 215 pounds, he leaves South Georgia with final numbers of 4,115 yards and 49 touchdowns on the ground and was an integral part of the 2012 Division II National Champions. Over the course of the title run, O’Neal contributed with 1,198 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
- Kenneth Durden, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders (Undrafted, Signed on April 30): Durden adds to the list of local prep legends; after a high school career that garnered both All-Region and All-State recognition, the 2011 Lowndes graduate stood out as a force at the University of South Florida before finishing his collegiate career at Division-II Youngstown State. At 6’0” and 180 pounds, he will look to find a home in the AFC West, as the Raiders extended an offer to the young star; he could potentially have big shoes to fill following the retirement of future Hall-of-Famer Charles Woodson.
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Making South Georgia Proud: 2016 NFL Draft
By James Washington
