Indianapolis Colts select Missouri State lineman Eric Johnson

For the primary time in over a decade, a Missouri State soccer participant has been chosen in the course of the NFL Draft.

Defensive deal with Eric Johnson was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts within the fifth spherical with the 159th total decide.

Johnson is the primary participant to be chosen out of Missouri State since offensive lineman David Arkin was chosen within the fourth spherical with the one hundred and tenth total decide by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011.

Johnson has been a mainstay on Missouri State’s defensive position during the last 5 seasons. The 6-foot-5, 299-pound defensive deal with broke out throughout a spring FCS 2021 season and adopted it up with one other standout season within the fall.

The newest season noticed Johnson come away with 1.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss. He was recognized for his potential to cease the run en path to being a first-team All-Missouri Valley Soccer Convention choice.

Extra:What Indianapolis Colts followers ought to learn about Eric Johnson, a 2022 NFL Draft decide

Johnson’s title was on the rise after the season because of a standout efficiency on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl which led to a last-second invitation to the celebrated Senior Bowl on the request of NFL scouts.

Johnson was thought-about to be the highest-rated prospect to not obtain an NFL Mix invite however he nonetheless impressed at his professional day the place he ran a 4.86 within the 40-yard sprint whereas weighing in at 299 kilos.

The Plainfield (Illinois) South Excessive Faculty product had been projected as an early third-day choice within the weeks main as much as the draft. Scouting reviews labeled him as a three-technique whereas praising his explosiveness off the ball.

Extra:NFL Draft: Why Bobby Petrino believes Missouri State’s Eric Johnson needs to be chosen

Johnson was coached in his ultimate two seasons underneath head coach Bobby Petrino who has now had 35 gamers chosen within the NFL Draft. Their two seasons collectively helped construct Missouri State right into a winner with this system’s first two postseason appearances since 1990.

Within the 2021 spring season, Johnson began all 10 video games and earned second-team All-MVFC honors. He had 27 complete tackles, six for a loss and 1.5 sacks.

Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield Information-Chief. You may contact him at 417-371-6987, by e-mail at wwheeler@news-leader.com or Twitter at @WyattWheeler_NL. He is additionally the co-host of Sports activities Discuss on Jock Radio weekdays from 4-6 p.m.