Iupati picked 17th in NFL draft

Thursday night, on national television, former Vandal offensive guard MIKE IUPATI, a First Team All-American and Outland Trophy finalist, became the second highest NFL draft pick in the history of the University of Idaho. Selected 17th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, he ranks behind only the legendary Ray McDonald selected 13th in the 1967 NFL draft. “It was very emotional,” Iupati said.

The following is an official press release from the University of Idaho Sports Information Department.

ADDITIONAL STORIES:
Link: Iupati ready for NFL draft day
Link: Draft Q&A with 49ers Coach Mike Singletary
Link: Seeing Is Believing With Iupati


Mike Iupati’s remarkable senior season culminated Thursday night in his being chosen 17th overall in the first round of the National Football League draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

Iupati, who was at home in California with his family, said he knew moments before the nationally televised announcement that his name would be next.

“Right when I got the call, I was so excited,” said Iupati, who looked the part during ESPN coverage of the draft that showed him awaiting the announcement then hugging his parents and other family members. “It was very emotional.”

It marked the end of a long day for Iupati, who said his Mom woke him at 6:30 a.m. to make sure everything was in order for the arrival of the television crews and a house full of company.

“I waited and waited and waited,” he said. “I wasn’t really nervous.”

Iupati, who didn’t play football until he was 14, became Idaho’s highest draft choice since Ray McDonald was the 13th selection in the 1967 draft. He leaves Idaho as the most decorated player in school history as a consensus All-American and an Outland Trophy finalist. He also was part of a revitalized Vandal football team that won the 2009 Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl behind one of the highest rated offenses in the country.

“I’m very excited for Mike,” coach Robb Akey said. “I’m excited for his family. I know he has a great future.”


LINK: Official University of Idaho Sports Website