Nicholls former left tackle, Jacob Bender was picked in the sixth round of the National Football League draft by the New York Jets April 29 and became the first offensive lineman from Nicholls to be drafted to the NFL in the University’s history. Bender, originally from Mayo, MD, was the first Southland Conference player to be drafted into the NFL this year and was the Jet’s third pick in the draft. He was also a two-time All-Southland Conference First Team selection for Nicholls, and he led the team to the Southland Conference Championship in 2005.

Colonels head football coach Jay Thomas said Bender’s former teammates and coaches are very proud of him.

“This is such a great honor for Jacob because he has worked really hard to have this opportunity,” Thomas said. “This is great for our program and it shows that guys can still play in the triple-option offense and have a chance to play on Sundays.”

The 6-foot-6, 305 pound lineman participated in the New York Jets’ Rookie Mini Camp May 12-14 at Hofstra University in Long Island, NY along with some veterans of the Jets.

Bender was one of 19 players out of the 50 rookies participating in the mini camp to be selected to begin the mandatory training camp also held in Long Island.

During his four-year career at Nicholls, Bender started 31 career games and played a total of 42 games in uniform.

During his senior year at Nicholls, Bender was named to the 2006 Sports Network/FCS I-AA All-America Third Team and selected to the College Sporting News Fabulous 50 FSN All-Star Team.

Bender is the first Colonel to be drafted to the NFL since 2004 when Chris Thompson was drafted to the Jacksonville Jaguars.