UALBANY’S RASHAD BARKSDALE CHOSEN IN NFL DRAFT’S SIXTH ROUND BY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

University at Albany’s Rashad Barksdale was taken in the sixth round of the 2007 National Football League Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, April 29. Barksdale, who was the 201st player selected, is the second UAlbany football player to be chosen in the draft.

Barksdale, who has been projected as both a cornerback and safety at the professional level, played just one season for head coach Bob Ford and the Great Danes. He came to the program as a walk-on last August after earning two varsity letters as an outfielder on the UAlbany baseball squad. Barksdale, who was named to the Football Gazette Mid-Major All-America Team as an honorable mention selection, accounted for 39 tackles, three interceptions and three pass break-ups in 2006. In addition, he averaged 8.5 yards per punt return. UAlbany finished with a 7-4 record and tied for second in the Northeast Conference standings.

"I am living a story on ESPN," said Barksdale, who will report to the Eagles' rookie mini-camp on May 11. "I wanted to play baseball, so I never expected to ever hear my name in the NFL Draft. I feel lucky and I am very happy for my family. I look forward to the challenge of being the first player from this school to play in an NFL game."

Kurt Campbell was the first Great Dane chosen in the NFL Draft when he went in the seventh round to the Green Bay Packers in 2005. He spent two years with the franchise.

In addition, defensive end Andre Coleman (6-3, 274) and offensive lineman Jacob Hobbs (6-3, 303) have agreed to terms as free agents with the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. Coleman was named to The Sports Network and Football Gazette Mid-Major All-America first-team units. He made his second straight appearance on the All-NEC first team. Coleman totaled 42 tackles and led the team in hits for a loss (13.0) and sacks (6.0). Hobbs, an offensive tackle on the collegiate level, was chosen to the 2006 Football Gazette Mid-Major All-America second team. He earned first-team All-NEC recognition.