The annual selection of college football players by NFL teams took place this weekend at Radio City Music Hall and more than any other year before it had meaning to local football fans, and I’m not talking about those who root for the Giants, Jets or Eagles. On Saturday for the first time ever two former Shore Conference players were selected in the first round in the same year and the fact they played Pop Warner football together in Atlantic Highlands makes the story more compelling.
Former Middletown South and University of Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno was chosen with the 12th overall pick by the Denver Broncos. It’s the highest-ever selection of a player from a high school in Monmouth or Ocean County. Among those with Moreno when he got the call from the Broncos were his high school coach Steve Antonucci, who has been directly involved in the process since Knowshon announced he was turning pro. Ex-Red Bank Catholic and Connecticut star running back Donald Brown was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 27th overall pick and by his side on draft day was his former high school coach Frank Edgerly.
Day Two of the draft Sunday saw the first player in Monmouth University history selected when the Miami Dolphins picked tight end John Nalbone in the 5th round. He’ll try and become the second former Hawks player to make it in the NFL as Cowboys receiver Miles Austin was an undrafted free agent three years ago and just signed a new contract with Dallas.
Speaking of undrafted free agents that would describe former Manchester Township High School linebacker Kevin Malast who will try and earn a spot with the Chicago Bears. Malast selected the Bears over the St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots Sunday night after the draft concluded. A school-record five of his Rutgers University teammates were drafted over the weekend, including wide receiver Kenny Britt who was chosen in the first round by Tennessee. Among the other Scarlet Knights selected were quarterback Mike Teel on the 6th round by Seattle.
All in all quite a weekend for shore football.
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