Larry English

NIU Huskies: Larry English 16th Pick in NFL Draft - Highest Draft Choice in School History

Just hours after joining his 2008 Northern Illinois teammates on the Huskie Stadium sidelines for NIU's spring football scrimmage and at the Yordon Center, where the team was presented with their 2008 Independence Bowl rings, Huskie defensive great Larry English (Aurora, Ill./Marmion Academy) became the highest draft choice in school history when he was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 16th pick in the National Football League draft.

The Chicago Tribune: Northern Illinois’ Larry English goes No. 16 in NFL draft- San Diego Chargers make linebacker English a surprise pick.

Joe Novak never doubted Larry English’s ability, yet even the former Northern Illinois coach was shocked – pleasantly – to see the San Diego Chargers select his former player with the 16th pick in the NFL draft.

“Everything I read, I was anticipating late first, early second,” Novak said Saturday from his North Carolina home. “When he came up at 16, my wife and I kind of jumped a little bit. We were just so happy.

San Diego Chargers: Chargers bolster pass rush

“We need to bring pressure,” Smith said. “This is a guy that can bring the heat. (He’s) physical, nasty, great presence. We’re going to give him to Coach (Ron) Rivera and turn him loose.”