There was a lot of good St. Louis representation at last week’s National Football League Draft as several former area stars got a start on their professional careers.
Former Gateway Tech standout Sheldon Richardson was the first area player to hear his name called as he was a first-round pick by the New York Jets. The 6’2” 294-pound defensive tackle was the No. 13 selection in the draft.
Richardson was present at Radio City Music Hall in New York along with the other top draft hopefuls to hear his name called in person. He got the opportunity to put on the Jets baseball cap, hold up the jersey and give NFL Commish Roger Goddell the big hug on the stage.
Richardson made his mark as a big talker throughout his collegiate career at the University of Missouri, but he backed it up with some dominant play in the Tigers’ first season in the powerful Southeastern Conference. Richardson was selected as a All-SEC First Team defensive lineman, which helps to skyrocket his draft stock as well as his strength, quickness and endless motor.
Let’s see, a young man who plays stellar defense and who loves to speak his mind heading to the New York Jets to play for a defensive coach who loves to speak his mind in the biggest media center in the world. Could there be a better marriage in the first round than Sheldon Richardson and the New York Jets?
They are going to love Sheldon Richardson in New York.
Former Wentzville Timberland standout Montee Ball running back was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round. Ball finished his career at the University of Wisconsin with several school and NCAA rushing records, including touchdowns.
Ball was the first running back selected in the draft as the Broncos chose him over former Alabama star Eddie Lacy.
Cahokia High product Terron Armstead was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round. Armstead played his college ball at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The 6’5” 305-pound Armstead was one of the stars on the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Armstead turned in a time of 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest times ever run by an offensive lineman at the Combine. He also did well in all of the other workouts, which enabled his draft stock to soar.
Former East St. Louis standout Terry Hawthorne was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round. Hawthorne was one of the top cornerbacks in the Big Ten Conference during his career at Illinois. He was a big play performer who had six interceptions in his career and two returns for touchdowns. Hawthorne also played some offense and returned kicks during his career in Champaign.
The fifth area player selected was defensive David Bass, a graduate of University City, who was taken by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round. The 6’4” 262-pound Bass enjoyed a stellar career at Missouri Western University, where he finished his career with a school-record 40.5 sacks. Bass also started a school-record 50 games at Missouri Western. Bass enjoyed an excellent performance at the East-West Shrine Game which caught the attention of many NFL personnel people.
Former Fort Zumwalt West and Mizzou standout T.J. Moe signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent. Moe was an excellent possession receiver for the Tigers during his career.
Former Washington High standout Denodus O’Bryant signed with the Indianapolis Colts. O’Bryant enjoyed a record-setting career at Lindenwood University as a running back.
Former SLUH standout Ronnie Wingo signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. Wingo played running back at the University of Arkansas.
