University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Kendricks and Odighizuwa Selected on Day Two of NFL Draft
LOS ANGELES – UCLA standouts Eric Kendricks and Owamagbe Odighizuwa were selected on day two of the NFL Draft on Friday evening in Chicago. Kendricks joined former UCLA All-American Anthony Barr in Minnesota while Odighizuwa is headed to the New York Giants.
Kendricks, chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round with the No. 45 overall pick, is the third Bruin linebacker to be selected in the last two drafts (Anthony Barr – first round Minnesota and Jordan Zumwalt – sixth round Pittsburgh in 2014 Draft).
The all-time leading tackler (481) in school history, Kendricks won both the 2014 Butkus Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy while leading the nation in solo tackles per game (7.8). He also established a school record with 11 double-digit tackle games in 2014.
Odighizuwa was selected by the New York Giants in the third round, No. 74 overall. Bruin defensive lineman have now been chosen in six of the last eight drafts --- 2008 Bruce Davis, Pittsburgh Rd. 3-88th overall; 2010-Brian Price, Tampa Bay Rd. 2-35th; 2011-David Carter, Arizona Rd. 6-184th; 2013-Datone Jones, Green Bay Rd. 1-26th; 2014 Cassius Marsh, Seattle Rd. 4-108th.
Odighizuwa recorded 61 tackles and tied for the team lead last season with 11.5 tackles for loss. He also ranked second on the team with six sacks.
Television coverage of rounds four through seven continues on Saturday on the NFL Network and ESPN Networks (ESPN/ESPN2) beginning at 9 a.m. PT. The event will also be streamed over WatchESPN and NFL.com.
UCLA begins its 2015 season in the Rose Bowl, on September 5, against Virginia. For 2015 ticket information, please click HERE.