Western Mustangs defensive lineman Vaughn Martin is one step closer to his dream of a pro football career after being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in this weekend’s NFL draft.
Taken in the 4th round (113th overall), the 6’3″, 331 pound Martin is the first Canadian collegiate player to be drafted as an underclassman to the NFL.
Vaughn Martin
With three years of eligibility left in the CIS, Martin could return to the Mustangs in 2009. He isn’t eligible for the Canadian Football League draft until 2011. He says the decision to declare for the NFL draft was tough.
“It was a difficult decision at first,” says Martin. “Western period is a difficult place to leave whether or not you have eligibility left.”
Over the past few months, Martin worked out for 15 NFL teams and credits the Mustangs coaching staff for helping to make this opportunity with the NFL a reality.
“Coach Marshall … I don’t think this road would have been possible without him,” says Martin. “The combo with a school like Western with its history and tradition and having coach Marshall is awesome. I have a great deal of respect for him and the program.”
Read more about Martin at the Mustangs website.