COSTON GETS DRAFTED BY GREEN BAY

GREENSBORO, N.C., April 24, 2005 – Even though he just finished talking to Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman, Junius Coston didn’t really want to believe it until he saw his name flash across the television screen during ESPN’s second day of NFL Draft coverage.

Coston didn’t have to wait long. Thirty seconds after hanging up the phone with Sherman, Coston saw his name. The Green Bay Packers, one of the most storied franchises in all of professional sports, made Junius Coston their selection in the fifth round, the 143^rd overall pick.

“My thoughts are happy thoughts,’’ Coston said. “This is an unbelievable opportunity for me and my family. I feel fortunate to be in the position I am in.”

Coston is a four-year starter at N.C. A&T. During his career, he played every position along the offensive line, but his primary position was center. He consistently graded out at 90 percent or higher and led the team in pancake blocks two consecutive seasons.

He will join former Aggies teammate, cornerback Jason Horton in Green Bat this fall. Coston will leave out this week for Green Bay’s mini-camp, which starts on Thursday.

“I’m ready to play in the NFL, he doesn’t matter that it is cold up there,’’ Coston said. “This is a dream come true. When I left high school, I was just hoping to be able to play college football. To get drafted is such an overwhelming feeling right now.”

Coston attended Raleigh Broughton High School. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound offensive lineman arrived at N.C. A&T in 2001 and was inserted as a starting tackle midway through his freshman season.

He began to catch the eyes of scouts his junior season, and by the end of his senior season he was getting invites to senior all-star games, including the prestigious Senior Bowl.

“I know he’ll do a fantastic job with the Green Bay Packers,’’ said N.C. A&T head coach George Small, who also made it to the NFL after playing four years at N.C. A&T. “My advice to him would be to go up there, work hard and take advantage of every opportunity you get. Right now, I’m just real excited for his family.”

Coston joins six other Aggies in the NFL, but is the first Aggie drafted since offensive lineman since 1997 to be drafted.

 Junius “Juice” Coston

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Weight: 310 pounds
Height: 6-foot-3
High School: Broughton HS
Date of Birth: Nov. 5, 1983

 Aggies in the NFL

Player                            Team                                     Position                                                 Tenure at N.C. A&T
Maurice Hicks              San Francisco 49ers          Running Back                                       2000-2001
Jason Horton               Green Bay Packers             Cornerback                                           2001-2002
Curtis Deloatch            New York Giants                  Cornerback                                          1999-2003
Qasim Mitchell             Chicago Bears                     Offensive Tackle                                  1998-2001
Junius Coston             Green Bay Packers             Center                                                    2001-2004
Dwaine Carpenter      San Francisco 49ers          Cornerback                                            1998-1999