Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Byard taken in third round by Titans
4/29/2016 9:00:00 PM | Football
First MT safety drafted since 1991
MURFREESBORO – Middle Tennessee safety Kevin Byard has been selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Byard is the 64th overall pick and the highest draft pick of a Middle Tennessee player since Tyrone Calico went in the second round in 2003 (also by the Titans).
"I am very proud of Kevin for achieving a life-long dream and for the way he has represented Middle Tennessee football," said Head Coach Rick Stockstill. "He has a degree, been exceptional in the community and been phenomenal on the field. I have no doubt he will have a long and successful career in the NFL because of his work ethic and how he will represent the organization and city."
Byard is the fifth player under Stockstill to be taken in the NFL Draft and the first safety at MT since Marty Carter in 1991 (8th round to Tampa Bay). He is also the highest defensive player taken since Cleveland took linebacker Mike Caldwell in the third round of the 1993 draft.
Byard, a four-year starter out of Lithonia, GA, is Middle Tennessee's all-time leader in interceptions (19), interception return yards (377) and interception return touchdowns (4).
During his career, Byard was a freshman All-American, a three-time Thorpe Award Watch List candidate, a two-time first team all-conference pick and was invited to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
"I am very proud of Kevin for achieving a life-long dream and for the way he has represented Middle Tennessee football," said Head Coach Rick Stockstill. "He has a degree, been exceptional in the community and been phenomenal on the field. I have no doubt he will have a long and successful career in the NFL because of his work ethic and how he will represent the organization and city."
Byard is the fifth player under Stockstill to be taken in the NFL Draft and the first safety at MT since Marty Carter in 1991 (8th round to Tampa Bay). He is also the highest defensive player taken since Cleveland took linebacker Mike Caldwell in the third round of the 1993 draft.
Byard, a four-year starter out of Lithonia, GA, is Middle Tennessee's all-time leader in interceptions (19), interception return yards (377) and interception return touchdowns (4).
During his career, Byard was a freshman All-American, a three-time Thorpe Award Watch List candidate, a two-time first team all-conference pick and was invited to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
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