It was a very special weekend for several former area football standouts who will get a chance to realize their dream of playing in the National Football League.
As a graduate of Lindenwood University, it was very excited to see cornerback Pierre Desir get selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. A former standout at Francis Howell Central, Desir becomes the first player in the history of Lindenwood’s program to be taken in the NFL Draft.
“I am overly excited,” Desir said. “I have been waiting so long for this day to come and happy to be able to celebrate it with all of my family friends. I can’t wait to start and make an impact in the NFL.”
In two seasons at Lindenwood, Desir had 13 interceptions, 93 tackles and one forced fumble. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in the MIAA and a two-time NCAA Division II All-American.
Desir solidified his draft status with excellent showings at the East-West Shrine Game, the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft Combine.
Hazelwood East alums drafted
It was also a good day for Hazelwood East High as former standout players Christian Kirksey and Walter Powell were also selected. Kirksey was taken in the third round by the Cleveland Browns while Powell was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round.
Kirksey enjoyed a stellar career at the University of Iowa, where he was a starting linebacker. Powell enjoyed a tremendous career at Murray State, where he was a top receiver and kick return specialist.
The St. Louis Rams also went local when they selected Eureka High product Maurice Alexander in the fourth round. Alexander was a standout safety and Utah State.
The Cleveland Browns were especially busy in getting St. Louis prospects. In addition to drafting Kirksey and Desir, the Browns also signed former DeSmet High standout Ray Agnew as an undrafted free agent. Agnew played collegiately at Southern Illinois University.
Congratulations to all of these talented young men and their families on their special accomplishment last weekend.
