Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti has long waited for an opportunity to prove to an NFL team that he was healthy and able to compete at the highest level. Saturday afternoon he got his chance after being drafted in the final round of the NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Three rounds earlier the Vikings took Penn State linebacker Gerald Hodges. They drafted Mauti with the seventh pick of the seventh and final round, the 213th selection overall.
“I think it should be illegal for me and Mauti to be on the same team again but hey I don’t make the rules we just abide by them!” Gerald Hodges tweeted after the selection was announced.
Mauti finished the season with 95 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. He missed the better part of the final two games with an injury, the third ACL tear he has suffered in his football career.
One of Penn State’s all-time great leaders, Mauti finished his collegiate career with with 209 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
