April 24, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – Former South Carolina defensive tackle Darrell Shropshire was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 27th pick of the seventh round of the NFL Draft (241st overall). Shropshire joins former Carolina teammates Troy Williamson and Rodriques Wilson as Gamecocks selected in this year’s draft. Williamson was the seventh pick of the first round by the Minnesota Vikings and Wilson was drafted in the seventh round by Chicago.

Shropshire played in all 11 games as a senior in 2004, registering 28 tackles, 19 of which were unassisted. He was credited with 4.5 tackles for loss and recorded quarterback sacks against both Vanderbilt and Troy. He set a career high with six tackles against Georgia. Shropshire was a key figure on a Gamecock defensive unit that ranked fifth in the Southeastern Conference in total defense, sixth in rushing defense and third in pass defense efficiency. After the season, Shropshire played in the East-West Shrine Game, the Hula Bowl and the Senior Bowl.

In his junior year of 2003, Shropshire started all 12 games, making 35 tackles, four of which were for loss. He made at least one tackle in every game and set a season-high with five tackles against Arkansas.

Shropshire came to South Carolina from Coffeyville Community College, where he was a first-team Junior College All-American by Gridwire and was tabbed as the defensive MVP of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference. SuperPrep selected Shropshire as the No. 7 junior college prospect in the nation.

Originally from Kershaw, S.C., Shropshire prepped at Andrew Jackson HS, where he played defensive end, running back and tight end.

South Carolina Gamecocks Drafted Since 2000 (All Rounds):Year    Player  Pos.    Team    Rd. Overall2005    Troy Williamson WR  Vikings 1   7    Rodriques Wilson   LB  Bears   7   220    Darrell Shropshire   DT  Falcons 7   2412004    Dunta Robinson   DB  Texans  1   10    Travelle Wharton   OT  Panthers    3   94    Deandre Eiland  DB  Vikings 6   1842003    Langston Moore   DT  Bengals 6   174    Corey Jenkins DB  Dolphins    6   181    Andrew Pinnock   RB  Chargers    7   2292002    Kalimba Edwards DE  Lions   2   35    Sheldon Brown DB  Eagles  2   59    Andre Goodman DB  Lions   3   68    Willie Offord DB  Vikings 3   70    John Stamper   DE  Buccaneers  6   1932000    John Abraham    LB  Jets    1   13    Arturo Freeman  DB  Dolphins    5   152