New Chargers manager Jim Harbaugh was overjoyed to be able to select a player from Michigan State in the third round of the NFL Draft.
Los Angeles used the No. 69 overall selection on Friday night to acquire linebacker Junior Colson from the University of Michigan, Harbaugh’s former employer and the program he led to a national championship earlier this year.
Harbaugh was so excited about the reunion that he actually started singing Michigan’s fight song, “The Victors,” as seen in a video posted by the Chargers on social media.
“Hail! To the brave victors. Hail! To the conquering heroes. Hail! Hail! To Michigan,
Champions of the West! ” the Chargers coach yelled before the room erupted in applause.
Colson was the Wolverines’ first All-American since he recorded 10 tackles in Michigan’s 27-20 Rose Bowl victory over Alabama in 1997 and six more in the national title game against Washington. contributed to the victory.
He finished the 2023 season with 95 total tackles and 2 passes defended.
“It’s grit and God’s will that helped me get to this point,” Colson said at the NFL Combine. According to the Detroit Free Press. “I think God has given me a lot of potential and talent. And to be here, why waste it? I survived the earthquake, and my parents who died also survived. .
“I don’t think there’s anything that someone can throw at me that I’m not ready for.”
Colson was Michigan State’s fourth pick when his name was called in the draft.
But linebackers aren’t the only Michigan players to begin their professional careers with the City of Angels.
Running back Blake Collum was selected 83rd overall by the Rams, the Chargers’ co-tenant at SoFi Stadium.
