USF Bulls Radio

Tampa - Saturday, the New England Patriots drafted USF linebacker Tyrone McKenzie in the third round with the 97th pick. McKenzie became the 11th player in USF football history to be selected in the NFL Draft.

McKenzie is one of three linebackers to play at USF to be taken in the history of the Draft and the eighth defensive player. The first two linebackers were Kawika Mitchell (second round in 2003), and Stephen Nicholas (fourth round in 2007).

The road has not always been easy for McKenzie. A Florida product out of Riverview High School, first attended Michigan State in 2004. There he played in 11 games as a true freshman and recorded only 3 tackles. In 2005 he sat out his NCAA transfer season from Michigan State, but was named the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.

McKenzie transfered to Iowa State in 2006, where he received All-Big 12 Second Team honors. He averaged over 10 tackles per game in 12 appearances and was credited with 129 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss with two sacks before coming to USF.

In 2007, Mckenzie lead the Bulls in tackles and broke a USF single-season record with a 121 tackles. He was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team.

McKenzie was named consensus first team All-BIG EAST team and led USF in tackles for the second consecutive season with 116 in 2008.

All the work payed off for McKenzie when his name was called in the third round, the 97th overall pick, in the 2009 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots.