Sun Belt Draftees Don't Include FAU

FAU seniors Josh Pinnick, Cerge Sincere and Taheem Acevedo have not heard their names called at the NFL's college player selection meeting - as expected. But a few Sun Belt guys have ...

Troy's Leodis McKelvin, a defensive back and kick return specialist, was taken by the Buffalo Bills with the 11th overall pick, tying a record for a Sun Belt player. Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Ware was selected 11th in 2005 by the Dallas Cowboys.

McKelvin, a 2008 Senior Bowl attendee, returned seven career punts for touchdown at Troy. Over his final two seasons, he started all 25 games at left cornerback for the Trojans, recording 126 tackles (3.5 for losses), five forced fumbles, three interceptions and 16 pass breakups.

McKelvin ran a 4.38 40-yard dash during his workout at the NFL Combine.

Also: Arkansas State’s Tyrell Johnson was selected with the 12th pick in the second round (43rd overall selection). Johnson was the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his career as the Sun Belt Conference’s career leader in tackles.

Middle Tennessee DE Erik Walden was selected with the first pick in the sixth round (167th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys.

Seems like the Cowboys like to scout the Sun Belt. Maybe a couple of the FAU seniors will have a chance to latch on there as free agents ...

Just for the record, FAU defeated Troy, Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State this season.

The Owls still have never had a player drafted or even play in an NFL regular season game. That will all change in the next year or two, however.