Omar Easy had few opportunities to show off his football skills during his career at Penn State. But he showed enough talent to earn himself a second chance -- in the National Football League.
Easy, a former Nittany Lion running back, was one of two Penn State graduates taken in this past weekend's NFL Draft. Easy was selected in the fourth round (107th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs, while tight end John Gilmore was chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round.
"When a guy called from the Chiefs I was so excited and ecstatic, I didn't know what to say," Easy said. "He had to give me a minute to gain my composure."
The Everett, Mass., native had limited carries throughout his career with the Lions because of a crowded backfield that also featured running backs Eric McCoo and Larry Johnson. Easy was the Lions' third-leading rusher in 2001 with 196 yards on 45 carries. Now he will have the chance to join a running back corps that includes the NFL's leading rusher in 2001, Pro-Bowler Priest Holmes.
"It's a great opportunity for me," Easy said of his selection. "All I ask for is the opportunity to play. Being the Chiefs' third overall pick, I think they're going to give me that opportunity."
Easy's agent, Mike Clouser, said that the Chiefs were surprised that his client was still available after Round Three. Clouser thinks Easy will be able to make an immediate impact for head coach Dick Vermeil's team when the NFL season begins in September.
"It's a perfect fit for Omar," Clouser said. "They projected him as the No. 1 fullback in the draft, and they have him penciled in as their starting fullback. They were ecstatic to get him."
Easy was the highest-selected fullback this weekend, chosen above Ohio State's Jamar Martin and All-American Najeh Davenport of the national champion Miami Hurricanes.
Gilmore was the 17th tight end taken in 2002. The West Lawn native was "kind of surprised" the Saints chose him, after he had extensive contact with several different teams. But Gilmore said he's ready to head to New Orleans when the team's mini-camp begins on Thursday.
"I'm psyched," Gilmore said. "I look at it as a challenge. I'm pumped and I'm ready to show them what I can do."
A late-season ankle injury last season kept Gilmore from taking part in the NFL Scouting Combine in March, as well as any postseason all-star games. Despite these missed opportunities to showcase his skills for NFL scouts, Gilmore was unfazed as the rounds passed.
"We've been very nervous, because we know how hard John worked," Gilmore's father, Jack, said. "But he wasn't showing any emotion. I think if he wasn't picked he was ready to just keep working hard for an opportunity to play."
Jack said that the Gilmore clan is excited about John's selection by New Orleans, but the family's first priority will be supporting his brother, Pete, a sophomore tailback on the Penn State football team.
"John's getting the opportunity of a lifetime and he's ready to make the most of it," Jack said. "We're going to be there for Pete in his college career, but any opportunity we get to go to New Orleans, we'll take it."
Several former Penn Staters also signed as free agents with NFL squads this weekend. Bruce Branch will join former teammate James Boyd with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while defensive end and long-snapper Bob Jones signed with Pittsburgh. Tailback Eric McCoo agreed to terms with Chicago and wide receiver Eddie Drummond signed with Detroit.
