ETTRICK, Va. (May 10, 2018)—Virginia State University has had 10 of its players selected to play in the National Football League. The first person drafted was Linwood "Lyn" Hart who as selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 14
thround of the 1965 NFL Draft.
The latest player to be drafted was
Trenton Cannon was selected by the New York Jets as the 204th pick overall in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium.
Trenton Cannon has received numerous accolades for his outstanding performance this season. Cannon was selected to play in the 2018 National Football League Player Association Collegiate bowl that took place on January 20. Cannon led the Trojans to an undefeated regular season, piling up 245 all-purpose yards per game. In addition, he was named the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year and was the second consecutive VSU player to take home the Lanier award. The Lanier award is given to the best small-college player. Trenton received the Offensive Back of the Year honor by the Touchdown Club of Richmond. Cannon lead the CIAA in overall rushing yards this season (1,387) and rushing yards per game (154.1). He also produced 14 touchdowns on the season. Out of the ten-week regular season, the Hampton, VA native earned five Offensive Back of the Week honors. Trenton is currently VSU's All-Time Rusher with a total of 3,780 yards.
For his college career he played in 38 games (25 starts), rushed for 4,246 yards (7.1 yards/carry) and 46 touchdowns, caught 51 passes for 638 more yards and seven more TDs, and also averaged 32.6 yards/kickoff return with three TD returns the last two seasons. Cannon turned a 4.40 time in the 40 at his pro day.
Below is the NFL Draft list of players from Virginia State University:
| Year |
Round |
Pick |
Team |
Player |
Position |
| 1965 |
14 |
-- |
Buffalo Bills |
Linwood "Lyn" Hart |
DB |
| 1970 |
3 |
71 |
Detroit Lions |
Jim Mitchell |
DE |
| 1970 |
7 |
176 |
New York Jets |
Jim Williams |
DB |
| 1972 |
14 |
355 |
Los Angeles Rams |
Larry Brooks |
DT |
| 1972 |
16 |
408 |
San Francisco 49ers |
Ron Davis |
OG |
| 1974 |
10 |
253 |
Oakland Raiders |
Chris Arnold |
DB |
| 1974 |
14 |
340 |
New York Giants |
Mike Hayes |
OT |
| 1992 |
3 |
82 |
Dallas Cowboys |
James Brown |
OT |
| 1996 |
6 |
174 |
Washington Redskins |
Kelvin Kinney |
DE |
| 2018 |
6 |
204 |
New York Jets |
Trenton Cannon |
RB |
