NCCU’s Drew To Join Proctor On Lions

Former NCCU defensive lineman John Drew will join teammate Xavier Proctor on the Detroit Lions defensive line. (Empire Athletes photo)

Don’t look now, but there appears to be an NFL pipeline forming from the Bull City to Motown. Former North Carolina Central defensive tackle John Drew has signed a contract with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Drew’s signing comes just weeks after the Lions signed his former NCCU teammate, defensive lineman Xavier Proctor.

The #Lions have signed defensive tackles Justin Bannan (officially) and undrafted rookie John Drew. Corresponding releases coming soon.
– Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) August 16, 2013

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsLions head coach Jim Schwartz got his first full-time college coaching job at NCCU, leading the defensive backs during the 1991 season.

Drew, a 6-2, 330-pound native of Columbus, Ga., inked the deal after working out with the team on Thursday (Aug. 16). He previously visited with the Lions a few weeks ago, but he suffered a slight hamstring pull at the end of his workout and did not sign, according to the Detroit Free Press. Earlier this summer, Drew signed with the New England Patriots, but was subsequently released.

During his senior season at NCCU, Drew played in eight games, including seven as a starter as a defensive tackle, before suffering a season-ending injury at Bethune-Cookman (Oct. 27, 2012). Before the injury, he amassed 18 tackles (8 solo), including 5.0 hits for a loss, and two blocked kicks. He tied for fifth on the team with 5.0 tackles for a loss.