Aztec's draft

This was a quiet draft day for Mexico. With only three picks, and 17th in the draft order, the Aztecs low expectations (especially with the GM's wife making him hang a new dining room lamp during the draft).

Much to our surprise, one of the two top running backs was available at pick #17! Mexico happily snatched Gerome Castleberry in the first round.

In the second round defensive end Daryl Whittington will be a project.

Surprisingly few of the many excellent offensive linemen had been selected when the Aztecs chose a top center in Christian Gaddis at the end of the third round.

Overall, the Aztecs were lucky to find quality players, who will be future stars, at the end of the draft order.

GEROME CASTLEBERRY

Tailback – East Central University

5-11, 215, Senior, Winnsboro, Texas

2002 Highlights: He rushed for 130 yards on 26 carries against Harding and 105 yards on 28 carries against Emporia State. He rushed for 204 yards on 37 carries versus Texas A&M-Commerce, 166 yards on 30 carries and 1 touchdown against Eastern New Mexico, and 202 yards on 35 carries for 1 touchdown against Central Oklahoma.

2002 Key Stats: Castleberry has compiled 1,208 all-purpose yards in 8 games this season. He has rushed for 1,007 yards on 222 carries and has caught 25 passes for 201 yards. He has scored 7 touchdowns – 4 rushing, 3 receiving.

Career Awards and Accomplishments: He rushed for 1,308 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2001. He was named first-team all-conference, first-team All-West Region, and third-team All-American by Don Hansen’s Football Gazette in 2001.