Central Arkansas' Hart Drafted in Fifth Round by Jacksonville Jaguars
CONWAY, Ark. - Larry Hart became the highest draft pick ever for the University of Central Arkansas Bears on Saturday when he was taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the National Football League draft.
Hart, a defensive end from Madison, Miss., was the No. 143 overall pick. UCA's highest previous pick was Tyree Davis at No. 176 in 1993. The earliest round selection was Jacob Ford in the sixth round in 2007.
"It's an unbelievable feeling," Hart said from his family's home in Mississippi. "I was so excited to finally get my name called. Since high school, it's been a dream of mine to play at the next level. There have been some tough times, been some doubts, but now it's come true. It's been quite an experience so far."
Hart was a two-time Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009 and was the first Southland player selected in this year's draft. He was the fifth player from the Football Championship Subdivision selected and the second from an Arkansas college behind Arkansas State's Alex Carrington.
Hart, who transferred to UCA from Holmes Community College in 2008, was UCA's first two-time All-American since becoming an FCS program. He was named an All-American by four different organizations after his junior season. Hart was the first Southland player to repeat as defensive player of the year since 1992-93 and only the sixth in history.
Hart tied for second in the Southland in sacks with 12 and was ninth in tackles for loss (10.5) as a senior. He led the league in forced fumbles (four) and had two blocked kicks, a fumble recovery and an interception. Hart ranks third in career sacks at UCA in just two seasons.
"What a great day for Larry Hart and his family," UCA coach Clint Conque said. "And a great day for University of Central Arkansas football. He's our highest draftee every and the first Southland Conference player taken this year; it's just wonderful all the way around.
"Larry worked very, very hard while he was here. He was an impact player on and off the field for us. He was a two-time All-American, and as good a player as he was on the field, he was just as much of a high-character guy off the field. And character is important in today's game, whether it be a college player or an aspiring NFL player.
"And Larry met all the challenges that were put in front of him. With that being said, he now starts a new chapter in his life and we're very excited for him."
Hart had a private workout and interviews with the Jaguars during the last couple of weeks and said the selection was not a total surprise. The Jaguars told Hart they plan to leave him at defensive end, despite rumors that he might be moved to outside linebacker.
"They said defensive end, in the dirt, pass rushing, no doubt about it," he said. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
Hart said he was thankful to everyone at UCA that supported him during his career.
"Coach Conque is a really good guy," he said. "I really appreciate what he and the rest of the coaching staff at UCA has done for me, helping me out through this whole process. I have a lot of great memories from my time at UCA."
Hart joins defensive end Jacob Ford with the Tennessee Titans and tight end/fullback Marquez Branson with the Denver Broncos as current UCA Bears in the NFL.
Hart leaves Friday for rookie mini-camp with the Jaguars, who also signed former UCA quarterback Nathan Brown after last year's draft.