Of the St. Louis American
Three St. Louis area standouts were charmed by the NFL during its draft last weekend.
As expected, former Normandy High star Laurence Maroney was drafted in the first round. The New England Patriots took Maroney with the 21st pick in the draft. He was one of the top running backs in the history of the University of Minnesota football program.
Maroney enjoyed the moment with more than 200 people at the Herbert Hoover Boys Club. He was the second running back taken in the draft behind former USC star Reggie Bush, who was taken second by the New Orleans Saints.
“It’s just a blessing. It was a great feeling to see New England pick me,” Maroney said. “They have a nice little dynasty they started. They have great players and a great coaching staff. I’m fortunate to come into a great situation.”
In joining the Patriots, Maroney enters a similar situation to when he entered his freshman year at Minnesota. The Patriots have veteran running backs Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk on their roster. When Maroney was a freshman, the Gophers had two returning backs, including current Dallas Cowboy Marion Barber III.
Instead of sitting on the bench or redshirting, Maroney became an impact player as a freshman. He went on to rush for more than 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He gives the Patriots a little more youth and a burst of speed in the backfield.
“He’s been a very productive player for Minnesota, both running the ball and kickoff returns,” said New England coach Bill Belichick. “He brings an element of speed and certainly youth to the position.”
Former Hazelwood East standout Brandon Williams was selected in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers with the 84th pick. A four-year starter at the University of Wisconsin, Williams follows former Hazelwood East standouts Terrell Fletcher, Jamar Fletcher and Scott Starks from Madison to the NFL.
Williams will have the opportunity to help the 49ers as a wide receiver and kick return specialists. The 49ers had a thin receiving corps last season and top receiver Brandon Lloyd signed with the Washington Redskins. Williams also earned collegiate All-American honors for punt and kick returns exploits.
The third area player to be drafted was former Jerseyville standout Brent Hawkins, who was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round with the 160th pick. Hawkins began his career at Purdue, but he transferred to Illinois State where he became one of the top defensive ends in the NCAA Division 1-AA ranks. Hawkins was the Defensive Player of the Year in the Gateway Football Conference and the Most Valuable Player of the Hula Bowl.
Former University of Missouri quarterback Brad Smith was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round. Smith is projected to play wide receiver, but he hopes to get a chance to play quarterback.
Former Pattonville High standout Martin Nance went undrafted, but he signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. Nance enjoyed a four-year career at Miami of Ohio. Fullback Jason Davis (Lindbergh) of the University of Illinois, signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
