NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Former Tennessee State offensive linemen Robert Myers and Anthony Morris were both selected in NFL Draft, Saturday.
Myers was the last pick of the fifth round and is headed to Baltimore, while Morris was the first choice of the seventh round by Oakland.
The selection of Myers caps off a whirlwind offseason that featured stops in the 2015 Reese’s Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine.
Myers was the only offensive player to start all 12 contests as a senior and he earned a spot on the All-OVC Second Team for the second straight year.
“It doesn’t matter where or when I went; I just wanted to get the shot to be in the National Football League and I got it,” Myers said. “I’m ready to go to work. I feel like I’ve got some ways to go, but I also feel like I can be the best lineman that’s come out in the draft this year. I’m excited for the opportunity to prove that.”
Morris quickly became one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects with his 6-foot-7, 320 lb. frame. Despite his size, he still ran a solid 40-yard dash time at TSU’s Pro Day, erasing all doubts about the tackle’s athleticism.
The Memphis native played in 11 games for TSU as a senior, making 10 starts.
“Being drafted is a dream come true,” Morris said. “It’s definitely a great feeling, but it’s just the beginning for me. I’m ready to go there and prove myself and earn a spot.
“I had a lot of talks with Oakland and the Raiders brought me in on a visit a couple of weeks ago, so I hoped they would take me where they did. Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie is going to turn things around there and I am excited to be a part of that.”
Myers and Morris anchored a unit that did not allow a sack during the final four ballgames of 2014. The line combo also helped protect a quarterback duo that threw for 3,268 yards and 23 touchdowns.
TSU’s unit ranked No. 18 in the FCS, giving up only 1.17 sacks per game.
Tennessee State has now had 22 offensive lineman taken in the NFL Draft and four in the last two seasons.
“Being the fourth offensive lineman drafted in the last two years is a great honor, but all the credit goes to TSU Offensive Line Coach Russ Ehrenfeld,” Morris said. “He pushed me in practices to be a better player and taught me so much.”
Myers and Morris become the 120th and 121st NFL Draft choices in school history, which is second-most all-time among FCS schools.
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