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Anatomy of a prospect: Oregon S Patrick Chung
10:50 AM Wed, Apr 15, 2009 | Permalink
Rick Gosselin E-mail News tips
Over the last four years Patrick Chung has defended the pass in the Pac 10 against quarterbacks Matt Leinart, Trent Edwards and Mark Sanchez and wide receivers DeSean Jackson, Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett. He's tackled running backs Marshawn Lynch, Maurice Jones-Drew, Reggie Bush and LenDale White.
And Chung has excelled all the while.
Chung started all 51 games of his college career and was a two-time All-Pac 10 selection at safety. He collected 384 career tackles and nine interceptions, also breaking up 17 other passes. Now it's his turn to join the Leinarts, Smiths and Whites in the NFL. He's one of the top safeties in the 2009 draft and projects as a second-round pick, having played both free and strong safety in his college career.
His value rises with his ability on special teams. Chung returned the first punt of his college career 59 yards for a touchdown against Washington and also averaged 23.5 yards on his 23 career kickoff returns. But his greatest asset is his durability -- not many college players start 50 games, much less 51 in a row. The NFL loves players it can count on week-in and week-out to be there.
"I take a lot of pride in that," said Chung of his 51-game streak. "That's a lot of hard work and dedication. That's playing through a lot of aches and pains. It's a badge of honor. If you work hard, everything will come true for you."
10:50 AM Wed, Apr 15, 2009 | Permalink
Rick Gosselin E-mail News tips
Over the last four years Patrick Chung has defended the pass in the Pac 10 against quarterbacks Matt Leinart, Trent Edwards and Mark Sanchez and wide receivers DeSean Jackson, Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett. He's tackled running backs Marshawn Lynch, Maurice Jones-Drew, Reggie Bush and LenDale White.
And Chung has excelled all the while.
Chung started all 51 games of his college career and was a two-time All-Pac 10 selection at safety. He collected 384 career tackles and nine interceptions, also breaking up 17 other passes. Now it's his turn to join the Leinarts, Smiths and Whites in the NFL. He's one of the top safeties in the 2009 draft and projects as a second-round pick, having played both free and strong safety in his college career.
His value rises with his ability on special teams. Chung returned the first punt of his college career 59 yards for a touchdown against Washington and also averaged 23.5 yards on his 23 career kickoff returns. But his greatest asset is his durability -- not many college players start 50 games, much less 51 in a row. The NFL loves players it can count on week-in and week-out to be there.
"I take a lot of pride in that," said Chung of his 51-game streak. "That's a lot of hard work and dedication. That's playing through a lot of aches and pains. It's a badge of honor. If you work hard, everything will come true for you."