Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers is a stickler for defense. And the second-year coach took a serious step in that direction Thursday night as he chose linebacker Luke Kuechly of Boston College with the ninth pick in the first-round of the National Football League Draft in

New York City.
Kuechly, a two-time All-America, averaged 14 tackles a game during his three seasons at Boston College and this past season he won the Bronko Nagurski Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player. He also earned the Dick Butkus Award, presented to the country's top linebacker. He led the nation in tackles the last two seasons, and he also became only the third Boston College player to earn ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Kuechly, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at 242 pounds, is a native of Cincinnati, OH.




Photo Courtesy: Luke Kuechly, PHOTO SUBMITTED