Southern offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter was selected with the 226th overall pick in the seventh round by the Chicago Bears on Saturday.
He is the first player from Southern to be drafted to the NFL since 2004.
Carter led a Southern offensive line that was instrumental in the Jaguars leading the SWAC in rushing yards per game and second in rushing touchdowns.
The Jaguars offensive lineman was one of two HBCU players selected to the Senior Bowl and one of four to the NFL Combine.
Carter put forth impressive measurements in his Pro Day recording a 5.01 40-yard dash time, a 34.5 vertical and a 9-foot-3 broad jump.
Many scouts were so impressed by his performance that some were predicting he would surely be taken in the draft.
More reinforcements up front. 👊
Welcome to Chicago, @CarterJaTyre! pic.twitter.com/UiaaUnAOeY
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 30, 2022