Learns about Seahawks selection while in cap and gown at Murphy Center
MURFREESBORO — Middle
Tennessee Blue Raider defensive tackle Jimmy Staten became the first MTSU
player to be drafted since 2011, as he was selected 172nd overall in the fifth
round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle
Seahawks.
“I’m just excited. This has been the best week for me ever,”
he said Saturday evening. “My birthday was Sunday and I graduated and got
drafted today. … It’s been an awesome week.”
Staten learned of the Seahawks' decision in the midst of his
graduation ceremony on Saturday afternoon inside MTSU’s Murphy Center, and was
given a special acknowledgement by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and a
rousing ovation from the crowd, before later walking across the stage to
receive his degree.
A jubilant Staten, who received the call about being drafted
while waiting to receive his degree in Liberal Studies, jumped up and pumped
his fist in satisfaction as his fellow graduates cheered him on in Hale Arena.
Staten recalls someone speaking on stage, but you can
forgive him for being a bit distracted after learning that his dream of playing
on Sundays was one step closer to becoming a reality.
“I was totally into my phone,” he said.
But Staten understands that getting drafted is just the
beginning.
“It’s an honor, but I know it’s work from here,” he said. “I
leave out (Sunday) and I know that I’ve gotta work hard and do what I know …
and I believe I can make the team.
“A lot of people think just because you get drafted that you
made it, but you have to make that 53-man roster and you also have to become a
productive member of that team.”
FOOTBALL BIO
The Waycross, Georgia, native was tabbed All-Conference USA
Honorable Mention in 2013. He was also invited to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. As
a senior, Staten was voted a permanent team captain. He played in 12 games,
starting in 11. He completed his senior year finishing with 30 tackles, 1.5
tackles-for-loss, a pass breakup and two hurries.
Staten only missed the season opener against Western
Carolina due to injury. He posted 36 tackles in 12 games as a junior. He
finished his career with 49 career games played.
Staten is the 31st draft pick in school history, becoming
the first since Rod Issac was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth
round (147th overall) in 2011. He is the first Raider to be picked by Seattle
since Tony Burse was a 12th round pick in 1987. Cornerback Marcus Udell was the
last Raider to participate in a Seattle camp, participating there in 2010.
Staten will report to the Seahawks rookie camp in Seattle
later this month.
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