Chargers grab NIU's English with 16th pick

Larry English made history Saturday.

The two-time Mid-American Conference MVP became the first player from Northern Illinois to be picked in the first round of the NFL draft when the Chargers took him with the 16th pick.

The selection was a mild surprise - even to English - considering most draft experts had him going late in the first round.

Some even English slipping into the second round amid concerns over how quickly he would be able to convert to playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense after he spent his college career at defensive end.

But the 6-foot-2, 255-pound English will play outside linebacker in the Chargers' 3-4 scheme, and he'll have a lot of pass-rush responsibilities, which won't be anything new. He finished his NIU career with 311/2 sacks and 63 tackles for loss. His 12 sacks in 2006 are a school record.

But the 2004 graduate of Marmion Academy in Aurora was still surprised when the Chargers called before the first round was halfway over.

"They just asked me if I'd like to be a Charger," he said. "I said, 'That sounds great.'" English was in DeKalb for the Huskies' spring scrimmage earlier Saturday and was also accepting NIU's Senior Male Athlete of the Year award. Later in the afternoon, he was on the phone with NIU coach Jerry Kill, giving him directions to his parents' home in Aurora, where he was hosting a draft party for friends. Kill told English he'd see him about 5:30 or 6, which is when he was expected to be picked. Minutes later, before 5 p.m., the Chargers announced him as their selection.

English was the Mid-American Conference MVP the past two seasons, the only defensive played in MAC history to accomplish that feat. He got high marks from NFL scouts for competitiveness, toughness, intangibles and character.

"I'm just a natural competitor and that's kind of how it's always been for me," English said. "I've always wanted to be the best. I always wanted to make plays and win, and I think those are some of the intangibles that are important in a good football player. And you have to be a gentleman off the field, and I try to do that."

The earliest NIU ever had a player picked before Saturday was in the third round, most recently running back Garrett Wolfe, who was chosen by the Bears 93rd overall in 2007. Running back LeShon Johnson was chosen 84th overall by the Packers in 1994, and wide receiver John Spilis was taken 64th overall by the Packers in 1969.

Nine picks after English was chosen, Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis went to the Dolphins with the 25th pick. Davis was considered one of the most talented athletes in the draft, but concerns about his coachability and character caused him to slip.