Associated Press
Utah State running back Kerwynn Williams, a Valley grad, runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 24, 2013.
Published Saturday, April 27, 2013 | 4 p.m.
Updated Saturday, April 27, 2013 | 5:15 p.m.
Valley High School graduate Kerwynn Williams waited longer than expected Saturday to be selected in the NFL Draft.
Williams, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound running back and kick returner, was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round with the No. 230 overall selection. Some projections had him being picked early.
Williams likely wasn’t bothered. He is more than versed with waiting for an opportunity.
When he was a senior at Valley in 2009, Williams wasn’t offered a scholarship until a month after national signing day when a spot opened at Utah State.
He blossomed into one of the best players in the WAC, rushing for 1,512 yards and 15 touchdowns last season to lead the Aggies to the league championship. He had 3,408 career kick return yards, which is an all-time WAC record.
Williams also shined catching passes out of the backfield, grabbing 64 balls for 840 yards and five touchdowns in 2012.
By no means is he guaranteed a roster spot, but his versatility out of the backfield and kick returning ability will give him a chance.
On his Twitter account, Williams said: "Truly blessed today. The look of excitement on my (family's) faces was well worth every bit of the wait. Proud to be a Colt!"
It’s the fourth straight season a former Las Vegas area high school player was picked. Last year, five were selected.
•••
No UNLV players were selected in the NFL draft for the third straight season.
The draft concluded Sunday with rounds Nos. 4 to 7 without former Rebel linebacker John Lotulelei being picked. Lotulelei, a first-team Mountain West selection and the UNLV Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, was the lone UNLV player who seemed likely to be picked.
The 5-foot-11, 235-pound Lotulelei will likely join a team through free agency.
He finished last season with 120 tackles, which was the 10th-best single-season mark in UNLV history.
Running back Bradley Randle, who left UNLV after his junior season, could also be picked up by a team as a free agent.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy