The First Round of the 2011 N.F.L. Draft has come to a close with the reigning champion Green Bay Packers picking last at #32. They have chosen Offensive Tackle Derek Sherrod from Mississippi State University.
Here is some background information on the newest addition to the champions in Titletown, USA: “Born in Chula Vista, California, Sherrod attended Caledonia High School in Caledonia, Mississippi, where he was a four-year starter on the offensive line and three-year regular on the defensive side of the ball. He allowed just one quarterback sack during his senior season and was credited with 32 pancake blocks, while also making 79 tackles on defense, with six quarterback sacks and four fumble recoveries. Sherrod was a first-team All-State selection in Class 3A by the Mississippi Association of Coaches at offensive tackle.Regarded as a four-star recruit, he was listed as the No. 13 offensive tackle prospect of the class of 2007. He chose Mississippi State over Florida, Miami (Fla.), Notre Dame, Michigan, Louisville and Ole Miss. In his true freshman year, Sherrod played in all but two games (11 of 13) during regular season. As a sophomore, he became a starter in the finale 11 games for the Bulldogs at left tackle, after missing the season opener due to injury and not starting in Week 2. In his junior season, Sherrod started all 12 games at left tackle and helped pave the way for Mississippi State to lead the Southeastern Conference in rushing, with running back Anthony Dixon recording 1,391 yards for the season (a new MSU single-season rushing record).
Sherrod graduated in August 2010 with a bachelor's degree in business with a focus on financial risk management, insurance and financial planning, with a 3.54 grade point average. He was a finalist for the NCAA's 2010 William V. Campbell Trophy, commonly called the "Academic Heisman." Welcome, Derek.
