Senior linebacker Chad Nkang was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars April 29 as the 251st pick during the seventh round of the 2007 National Football League draft, capping off one of the most decorated careers in the history of Phoenix athletics. Details...
“This is an incredible feeling,” Nkang said. “It was definitely a nail-biter, coming down to the last several picks. However, it worked out for the best as Jacksonville is one of the teams I have always been the most interested in. In the first few minutes after the announcement, it seemed like I was congratulated by everybody I have ever met in my life.”
Nkang tops a list of 25 Elon athletes to work their way into the National Football League, but he becomes the first Phoenix football player to be drafted since wide receiver Joe Randolph in 1992. Minnesota drafted Randolph as the 322nd pick during the 12th round.
Prior to Randolph, running back Jimmy Smith was the most recent NFL Draft pick from Elon. Smith was drafted by Washington as the 102nd pick during the fourth round of the 1984 Draft.
“We were hopeful that things would work out and Chad would get an opportunity to fulfill his dream,” Elon coach Pete Lembo said. “He came one step closer today. It looks like Jacksonville will be a good fit for him, both with their defensive scheme and the size of their linebackers. I continue to believe that Chad’s ability to fit in on special teams as well as the defensive side of the ball will enhance his chances of making the Jaguars’ roster this summer.”
Nkang played all 45 games during his career at Elon, the first 12 at fullback and the last 33 at linebacker. In those 33 defensive starts, he amassed 414 tackles for an average of 12.5 stops per contest.
Nkang also collected 54 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two interceptions, three pass deflections, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries during his last three seasons. He also scored two touchdowns during his college days – one as a starting fullback in his first collegiate game and one on a 47-yard interception return in his 44th career contest.