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The University of Tennessee’s had a player drafted every year since 1963.
That could end later this month.
“I actually just heard that like a couple of weeks ago,” cornerback Justin Coleman said after Tennessee’s Pro Day according to Fox Sports. “It would always be an honor if I was the one to continue that streak and get drafted. That would be pretty cool.”
Coleman, a projected late-round selection says most draft analysts, has the best shot at continuing the Vols’ streak. Tennessee played more true freshman than any FBS-level football team last season and its top prospect, linebacker A.J. Johnson, was indicted in February on rape charges.
Only six teams have active streaks longer than Tennessee’s impressive number — Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Michigan State and Nebraska.
Over the last decade, nine Vols have been drafted in the first round. The last Tennessee player from the secondary to go in the opening round was Eric Berry in 2010.
Coleman was a three-year starter in Knoxville and intercepted a team-best four passes as a senior last fall. At the NFL Combine, Coleman impressed scouts with a 37.5-inch vertical and was the SEC’s fourth-fastest defensive back with a 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash.
Justin Coleman’s Combine: 4.53 – 40 yard Dash 20 bench press reps of 225 lbs 37.5 inch vertical 124.0 inch broad jump 6.61 – 3 cone drill
— Rocky Top News (@rockytop_news) February 23, 2015
