SHSU trio looks to continue football careers
5/11/2016 5:00:00 PM | Football
HUNTSVILLE – On May 1, Sam Houston State punter Lachlan Edwards became the 19th Bearkat to be selected in the NFL Draft. Ten days later, it is apparent that he will not be the only player with an opportunity to prove himself at the next level.
Mikell Everette has agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns, signing as an undrafted free agent. The defensive back joins 10 other undrafted players who will report to Browns' minicamp on Thursday. LaDarius Brown, who has not yet signed, will spend time at the Tennessee Titans' minicamp this weekend.
Meanwhile, Kevin Jackson was selected No. 34 overall in the CFL Draft by the Ottawa Redblacks. The linebacker was taken in the fourth round as the fourth selection by the Redblacks.
Along with Edwards, the trio has helped continue the Bearkats success at the national level. Sam Houston is 56-19 (.747) since 2011, making the program the winningest in Texas, and is tied with North Dakota State and New Hampshire with five playoff appearances over that span.
For head coach K.C. Keeler, who enters his third year with the program, it is all about taking advantage of opportunities for those making the jump to the professionals.
“A lot of people think that the only way to play at the next level is to play at FBS level,” Keeler said. “So many times, the young men have a better opportunity to get there through us because they get a chance to play earlier and more. The more you play the better you get.
“The single most important thing is not the level of football but the opportunity to play. What the scouts saw in the skillset in these guys is that they had the skillset to possibly play at the next level.”
Everette was the team leader in interceptions (3) and solo tackles (51) a season ago in addition to forcing one fumble. The Kent, Wash., product was a 2014 Southland Conference Honorable Mention and led the squad in pass breakups with 14.
“I think what the Browns saw was that he has the body type and is physical enough to play the nickel,” Keeler said. “I think those are tough guys to find. Any time you can give yourself an opportunity to play more than one position, it gives you more value. He is a physical, tough kid and has the skillset.”
Brown, who led Sam Houston with nine touchdowns, logged 54 receptions for 838 yards for an average of 15.5 yards per catch. The wide receiver who transferred from TCU made an immediate impact on the program, notching seven touchdowns in 2014, including two in an FCS Playoffs win at Villanova.
“You see a big body that can run and catch,” Keeler said. “During the time he gets there, how much can they continue to develop him. He has all the ability to be an NFL receiver, but he needs to put everything together to make the team.”
Meanwhile, Jackson will look to showcase his abilities north of the border, heading to Ottawa after recording 10 tackles, including three for loss, last year. The Cypress product, who appeared defensively and on special teams, was credited with 16 tackles in 2014.
“Kevin is such a dedicated player and a team guy,” Keeler said. “I have a great vantage point of the stadium from my office and I can't tell you how many times I've looked out there and the only guy is Kevin getting ready for his opportunity. He's a phenomenal young man. He cares about the team first and I am excited for him.”
