Temple University Athletics
Hairston Selected by Indianapolis in 5th Round
4.29.17 | Football
PHILADELPHIA – The Indianapolis Colts selected Temple DB Nate Hairston (Frederick, Md.) in the fifth round of the 2017 National Football League Draft on Saturday afternoon.
Hairston was the 158th selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and is the third Temple player drafted this year tying the school record for draftees in one year, done six times prior (1946, 1975, 1980, 1987, 2012, 2016). In the past two days, Haason Reddick was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 13th overall pick and Dion Dawkins was picked by the Buffalo Bills with the 63rd selection.
Hairston started at cornerback in 13 games this season for the Owls. He finished the year with 25 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups, and was a major reason why Temple's defense was ranked #3 in the nation against the pass. Hairston was a first-year starter who converted to cornerback from wide receiver in 2015.
"Nate is a long, physical corner," said Temple head coach Geoff Collins. "I'm excited about him. Having coached some very talented defensive backs in my career, I can see him playing great on Sunday's for the Colts."
Hairston is the 69th Temple football player to be drafted into the NFL. He joins Robby Anderson (New York Jets), Dawkins (Buffalo), Kyle Friend (Pittsburgh), Matt Ioannidis (Washington), Tyler Matakevich (Pittsburgh), Brandon McManus (Denver), Reddick (Arizona), Brandon Shippen (Los Angeles Rams), Tahir Whitehead (Detroit), Muhammad Wilkerson (New York Jets), and Tavon Young (Baltimore) as former Owls currently active in the NFL.
Hairston was the 158th selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and is the third Temple player drafted this year tying the school record for draftees in one year, done six times prior (1946, 1975, 1980, 1987, 2012, 2016). In the past two days, Haason Reddick was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 13th overall pick and Dion Dawkins was picked by the Buffalo Bills with the 63rd selection.
Hairston started at cornerback in 13 games this season for the Owls. He finished the year with 25 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups, and was a major reason why Temple's defense was ranked #3 in the nation against the pass. Hairston was a first-year starter who converted to cornerback from wide receiver in 2015.
"Nate is a long, physical corner," said Temple head coach Geoff Collins. "I'm excited about him. Having coached some very talented defensive backs in my career, I can see him playing great on Sunday's for the Colts."
Hairston is the 69th Temple football player to be drafted into the NFL. He joins Robby Anderson (New York Jets), Dawkins (Buffalo), Kyle Friend (Pittsburgh), Matt Ioannidis (Washington), Tyler Matakevich (Pittsburgh), Brandon McManus (Denver), Reddick (Arizona), Brandon Shippen (Los Angeles Rams), Tahir Whitehead (Detroit), Muhammad Wilkerson (New York Jets), and Tavon Young (Baltimore) as former Owls currently active in the NFL.
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