The Philadelphia Eagles drafted South Dakota native Nate Gerry on Saturday in the fifth round of the 2017 National Football League draft.
Gerry grew up in Sioux Falls, graduated from Washington high school, and then went on to play for the Cornhuskers at the University of Nebraska.
During his time at Sioux Falls Washington, Gerry was a stand out in both track and football. He helped lead the Warriors to three state football championships during his four years there.
In college, Gerry received many honors and awards.
- Bednarik Award Semifinalist (2016)
- Team Captain (2015, 2016)
- First-Team All-American (Pro Football Focus, 2016)
- Second-Team All-American (USA Today, 2016)
- Third-Team All-American (AP, 2016)
- First-Team All-Big Ten (AP, 2016)
- Second-Team All-Big Ten (Media, 2014, 2016)
- Third-Team All-Big Ten (Media, 2015, Coaches, 2016)
- Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten (Coaches, 2014 and 2015)
- Jim Thorpe Award Watch List (2016)
- 2015 Lott Trophy Watch List
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Iowa, 2014; Wyoming, 2016)
- Nebraska Defensive co-MVP (2014)
- Honorable-Mention Big Ten All-Freshman Team (BTN, 2013)
- Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2016)
- Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2016)
Philadelphia drafted Gerry with the last pick (No. 41) in the fifth round of the NFL draft. Even though he played both linebacker and safety in college, the Eagles are saying Gerry will play linebacker for them.
