Mathews Taken 12th By Chargers
4/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 22, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - By all accounts, most experts said the San Diego Chargers wanted to draft Bulldog running back Ryan Mathews. The Chargers showed just how much they coveted him by trading up 16 picks in the NFL Draft to take Mathews with the 12th overall pick.
The Chargers swapped picks with the Miami Dolphins to make it happen.
It makes Mathews the third-highest Bulldog ever drafted behind No. 1 David Carr in 2002 and No. 6 Trent Dilfer in 1994. Mathews is the fifth Bulldog taken in the first round of the draft, joining J.D. Williams and Logan Mankins in such an exclusive group. Mathews is the first Bulldog running back ever drafted in the first round.
"We are so proud and happy for Ryan," said head coach Pat Hill, who saw the pick just as he was coming off the practice field. "Ryan is a special, special young man and a heck of a football player. I'd expect him to have a great NFL career. I know it's special for him to go to San Diego because it's close to home for him and the team he rooted for as a kid. It's a special day for Ryan."
Mathews rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns last fall and led the NCAA in rushing average. He ran for 38 touchdowns in his career and he had 11 100-yards games last season, tying LaDainian Tomlinson for most by a WAC running back.
Mathews joins quarterback Billy Volek on the Chargers' squad. In recent years, the Chargers have also had former Bulldogs Lorenzo Neal, Vernon Fox and Louis Leonard. The NFL Draft continues on Friday and Saturday. Several other Bulldogs are expected to be picked.
"We Are Your Team" - The Bulldog football continues its spring drills this week. Season tickets for the 2010 season, which includes seven home games, are available by clicking the tickets icon at the top of this page.
