University of Delaware’s safety Nasir Adderley was drafted on day two of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round with the 60th pick. Adderley becomes the highest Blue Hen selected in a NFL draft since Joe Flacco who selected 17th overall in 2007 by the Baltimore Ravens. The newest Charger also gives Delaware the honor to become the ninth FCS school in the past ten years to have two student-athletes drafted in the top five rounds in back to back years.
The Moment Nasir Adderley’s NFL Dream Became A Reality
The newest Los Angeles Chargers safety expressed his excitement for the new beginning and gratitude towards University of Delaware for helping him get to the NFL as stated in the Blue Hens press release.
“This is what you dream of as a kid. It’s everything you work for. I can’t put it into words how much this moment means to my family and I,” Adderley said. “I can’t wait to get to Los Angeles and go to work.”
“I can’t thank the University of Delaware, my teammates, my coaches and so many people that helped push me to where I am today,” Adderley added. “I’m humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to represent the proud Blue Hen tradition in the NFL.”
The Blue Hens head coach Danny Rocco coached Adderley for two seasons at Delaware and told the Blue Hens site he was proud to see the former Blue Hens hard work pay off.
“We’re incredibly excited for Nasir and his family to get this opportunity. This is a privilege that very few young men get and we’re proud to see all the hard work Nasir put in pay off,” head coach Danny Rocco said. “Nasir accomplished a lot during his four years here on campus and we can’t wait to watch him on Sundays.”
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native leaves Delaware with 264 tackles ( top five in school history), 22 pass deflections, 11 interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Adderley had had 87 tackles ( top-20 nationally for DB’s), four interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble in the 2018 season.
The six-foot,203 pound safety was also the only player in the country to have 160 tackles and nine interceptions in the past two seasons.
The Blue Hen defensive back has earned a lot accolades in his impressive career including two-time All-American, three-time All-CAA performer, first team ECAC All-East and STATS Inc. National Defensive Player of the Week Honorable Mention.
Check Out Adderley’s Stats
Talk About Dominant
Not long after he was drafted, Adderley told the Chargers Ricky Henne he thought the team was a perfect fit for him.
“Man, fired up doesn’t even represent how I feel right now. This is amazing, man. I really thought the Chargers were the perfect fit, and I was praying to God they would make the decision to have me! God makes no mistakes. I’m ready to work!”
When the Chargers called for the Blue Hen, Adderley was with his family at Dave & Busters where he was overcome with emotion with his NFL dreams turning into a reality.
The Call That Changed Adderley’s Life
Adderley is ready to prove to Chargers fans that they drafted their next defensive play-maker as he told Chargers editor Ricky Henne.
” Oh my God, they are getting a leader! They’re getting a leader on the field and off the field. They’re getting a guy who is going to compete. A guy whose work ethic is his strongest attribute. A guy who is going to make sure the Chargers get a return on their investment. “
Adderley is understandably excited to join the Chargers and the team is just as excited to have the young safety. The word that kept coming up from Chargers coaches and general manager Tom Telesco was the team liked Adderley’s range and versatility.
Chargers GM On Nasir Adderley
Chargers Head coach Anthony Lynn and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley also highlighted Adderley’s ability to make plays sideline to sideline via the team’s site.
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Likes What He Sees With Adderley
“That’s what shows up on tape,” Bradley added. “He has a lot of range. You see him make plays from red line to red line, sideline to sideline. He’ll come up and tackle. Back there in that middle third, you need that type of athlete. He’s got really good ball skills. They also played him close to the line of scrimmage at times where you saw him come up and make tackles in the open field. At that safety spot how we play it, he’s got to be able to have that skillset. He’s very aggressive, but plays the game very well. So he has a great chance in this defense.”
The Delaware Blue Hen will give the Chargers a dangerous safety tandem as he will join first-team all-pro safety Derwin James in the backfield.
Tweets From Around The League About Adderley
College Delaware Sports Blitz 