Detroit, Mich. - University of Findlay offensive lineman
Michael Jerrell had his name called by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2024 National Football League (NFL) Draft on Saturday, April 27. He was selected in the 6th round and was pick number 207 of the event.
Jerrell was the only NCAA Division II player taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"The plan was always to do this from where I started", said Jerrell following his selection.
"I wanted to be the next NFL jersey on the wall and the first-ever D2 draft pick from Findlay. You hope it will happen, but to actually get that call was incredible. I was something I've worked a long time for."
In an interview for Seahawks.com, Jerrell also said when asked about why he didn't transfer away from UF,
"I'm a loyal guy, and I stick with those who stick with me, and that's why I stayed at Findlay. They believed in me from the start, and I couldn't see myself leaving for another team that would get the credit for what my coach and the University of Findlay helped build. I wanted to stay there and give them the credit. It means everything to me to see 'Michael Jerrell, University of Findlay' on the screen rather than another school."
Jerrell put together an outstanding career with the Oilers, earning a host of awards including all-American honors in 2022 and 2023, 2023 G-MAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, 2023 first team all-region, and four all-conference awards including three first-team picks. He is just the fourth player to have played at UF and be taken in the NFL draft, joining Andrew Ogletree (2022), Dana Wright (1987), and Allen Smith (1966).
"What a ride it has been," said head football coach
Kory Allen, who has also been Jerrell's position coach at UF.
"Michael is proof that perseverance and belief can get you where you want to go. Lineman of the Year, all-American, conference champion, playoff participant, bachelors degree, masters degree, and now and NFL draft pick. He deserves everything that comes his way. Go Seahawks!"
| Pos |
Player |
Ht |
Wt |
Yrs |
Yrs in NFL |
NFL Draft (tm/rnd/yr) |
AFL Draft (tm/rnd/yr) |
| OL |
Michael Jerrell |
6-5 |
310 |
|
2024- |
Seattle Seahawks / 6th / 207th pick / 2024 |
|
| TE |
Andrew Ogletree |
6-5 |
260 |
1 |
2023-pres. |
Indianapolis Colts / 6th / 192nd pick / 2022 |
|
| WR |
Jason Moore |
6-3 |
215 |
4 |
2019-2023 |
|
|
| DB |
Harold Jones-Quartey |
5-11 |
210 |
2 |
2015-2016 |
|
|
| T |
Keith Cupp |
6-6 |
301 |
1 |
1987-1987 |
|
|
| DE |
George McDuffie |
6-6 |
270 |
1 |
1987-1987 |
|
|
| RB |
Dana Wright |
6-1 |
219 |
1 |
1987-1987 |
New York Giants / 9th / 251st pick / 1987 |
|
| DB |
Tony King |
6-1 |
197 |
1 |
1967-1967 |
|
Buffalo Bills / 3rd / 27th pick / 1966 |
| HB |
Allen Smith |
5-11 |
195 |
1 |
1966-1966 |
Detroit Lions / 20th / 300th pick / 1966 |
New York Jets / 6th / 50th pick / 1966 |
| WR |
Odell Barry |
5-10 |
180 |
2 |
1964-1965 |
|
Denver Broncos / 19th / 145th pick / 1964 |
| FB-LB |
Ed Sustersic |
6-0 |
205 |
1 |
1949-1949 |
|
|
| E |
Dutch Strassner |
0-0 |
0 |
1 |
1925-1925 |
|
