Eastern Michigan Athletics
Milestone NFL Draft In the Books for EMU Football
4/30/2023 3:00:00 PM | Football
Eastern Michigan multiple players had not been drafted since 1977
Purchase EMU Football Season Tickets.
Sow Highlights | Sow Draft Selection.
Ramirez Highlights | | Ramirez Draft Selection.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (EMUEagles.com) – For the first time since 1977, multiple Eastern Michigan University football student-athletes had their dreams come true at the 2023 National Football League (NFL) Draft held outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., April 27–29. Offensive lineman Sidy Sow (Bromont, Quebec-J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville) was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (117th overall), while defensive end Jose Ramirez (Lake Alfred, Fla.-Auburndale-Arizona-Riverside City) was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round (196th overall).
The duo marked the first time in 46 years that multiple EMU players have been drafted in the same season. That year, Mark Carter went to the Miami Dolphins in the 10th Round (264 overall) and Jim Stansik headed to the San Diego Chargers in the 12th Round (319 overall).
Watch the stars of the future as Eastern Michigan football season tickets are on sale. EMU continues to offer the Ultimate Fan Season Ticket Plan for just $150. This package includes a wide chairback with armrests on the 50-yard line along with VIP season parking. Chairback Season Tickets are $120 and include a chairback in Reserved Sections 104-109. Reserved season tickets are just $108 (Reserved Sections 104-109), while General Admission season tickets are $84 (Sections 110-114 and the visiting side). Call 734.487.ENOW (3669) or visit EMUEagles.com/tickets
Sow and Ramirez join former kicker Chad Ryland (Lebanon, Pa.-Cedar Crest), who was selected by the Patriots. Ryland was selected five picks ahead of Sow by New England with the 112th overall pick. After the shock wore off, Sow immediately called Ryland on FaceTime. The two friends were about to be NFL teammates.
"I thought it was the craziest thing in the world. I needed to talk to him," Sow said. "To be honest, having a really close friend to go through this whole process and now this summer we'll go through heading into next season, having somebody like him on the same team going through the same thing is going to be amazing. Once we got on the call, we talked about how crazy, unrealistic and impossible that scenario could've been but it actually happened. It's just awesome."
Eastern Michigan also had multiple players taken in the 1972, 1973, and 1974 NFL Drafts.
In 1972, Dave Pureifory was picked by the Green Bay Packers in the Sixth Round (142 overall), while Will Foster (Philadelphia Eagles - Seventh Round - 170 overall), Larry Ratcliff (Philadelphia Eagles - Eighth Round - 196 overall), and Sam Elmore (New England Patriots - 13th Round - 325 overall) also heard their names called.
During the 1973 Draft, Bill Dulac (Los Angeles Rams - Seventh Round - 167) and Ron Fernandes (Miami Dolphins - 10th Round - 260 overall) were both ushered into the professional ranks. Then in 1974, Jim Pietrzak (New York Giants - Sixth Round - 132), Dave Boone (Minnesota Vikings - 11th Round - 285 overall), and Frank Kolch (Pittsburgh Steelers - 13th Round - 333 overall) joined the exclusive club as draft picks.
"As a little kid watching Tom Brady slinging the football all around and being amazed by it and giving me the love of football and now get them to call me on draft day and tell me they want me, it's just an amazing feeling," Sow said.
Sow grew up in Quebec, Canada, where he was a two-time member of Team Canada's football squad. He was rated the third-best prospect for the Canadian Football League draft going into the 2021 season but deferred his draft status to the 2023 class. He started 11 of 13 games played at left tackle as a "true" freshman in 2018 at Eastern Michigan, then moved to left guard for 12 starts in 2019. Mid-American Conference coaches voted him third-team all-conference in 2020 for his work in six starts at left guard and he was a first-team pick in 2021 and 2022 as he started all 13 contests at that spot both seasons for the Eagles.
The all-time leader in Eastern Michigan history in games played (56) and games started (54), Sow will go down as one of the best offensive linemen to don the green and white.
On the field for 949 snaps in 2022, Sow helped the Eagles lead the MAC in red zone offense (93.9 percent) and third down percentage (44.9), while finishing second in team passing efficiency (137.86). All told, the Bromont, Quebec, native allowed just two sacks this season and only six in his distinguished career.
One of the most dominant pass rushers in college football, Ramirez finished the 2022 regular season slate on numerous national leaderboards. The MAC's defensive MVP and an All-American via three major publications, he was tied for the nation's lead with 1.00 sacks per game. He finished second in the FBS in total sacks (12.0) and third nationally with 1.6 tackles for loss per contest. He also owned the nation's second-best single-game performance in terms of sacks this season. He collected a program-record 4.0 in Eastern's game at Western Michigan University, Oct. 8. That game was one of three multiple-sack performances he issued for EMU this season.
Ramirez was Eastern Michigan's third-leading tackler this season with 66 stops, and led the Eagles in both quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (2).
His 12 sacks were an all-time single-season record at EMU. He finished with 20.5 sacks in his career, which places him second all-time in program history behind only Avery Brown . He is only the fourth player since 1998 to record double-digit sacks in a single season for Eastern Michigan.
Additionally, Ramirez had 19.5 TFLs during the 2022 regular season, tied for ninth in school history and the most since multiple-year National Football League veteran and E-Club Hall of Fame inductee Jason Jones recorded the same number in 2007. His 34 career tackles for loss put Ramirez fifth in the EMU record book. He has earned All-MAC status in consecutive seasons.
"Chad is a stud. He's the best kicker in the nation and he's going to be one of the best kickers in the NFL. 100% fact," Sow said. "As a person, I love him. He's a great dude. We've known each other for a while. We still talk to each other to this day. We're big Call of Duty partners. It's crazy we're once again teammates."
Ryland finished his EMU career as the program's all-time leader in PATs made (141) and PATs attempted (145) at EMU. The Lebanon, Pa., native connected on 56 field goals, which ranks second in program history. He also holds the EMU career points scored with 309 as well as the EMU's single-game record with five FGs made in 2021 versus Western Michigan.
After graduating from EMU, Ryland transferred to the University of Maryland for the 2022 season. In College Park, Ryland was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection. He made 19-of-23 field goals, an 82.6-percentage, including a perfect 9-for-9 from under 40 yards. He had the eighth-most points scored in a season all-time by a Terp with 96 and the fifth-most field goals made in a single season with 19. All told, Ryland ended his Maryland career with the highest field goal percentage (.826) ever by a Terp kicker with over 20 attempts.
"Cold weather, it's obviously not the most ideal conditions to kick a football. Not a lot of people want to kick in that. But I do," Ryland said. "I'm a cold-weather guy. I like the cold. I like the wind. For me, it's that challenge of 'bring it on.' Obviously there's a lot that goes into kicking in those conditions... I love it. I don't shy away from it. It certainly has helped me to develop into the kicker I am today."
EMU football has a long connection to the NFL and the 2023 season only deepened those bonds.
For the 14th time, an Eastern Michigan football alumnus became a Super Bowl Champion. Andrew Wylie and the Kansas City Chiefs took center stage across the country, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35, inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The game marked the third Super Bowl appearance in the last four years for Wylie as a member of the Chiefs. Wylie is one of 11 former Eastern Michigan University football players to take part in a Super Bowl and with his win, he joins the company of just four other former Eastern student-athletes that have captured multiple Super Bowl rings (Reggie Garrett - Steelers, John Banaszak - Steelers, Ron Johnson - Steelers, Charlie Batch - Steelers). Wylie is already one of only six former Eastern Michigan players to capture a Super Bowl crown (won Super LIV – 2020- with Chiefs).
Furthermore, three members of the EMU football coaching staff in 2022 moved on to new jobs with NFL franchises in 2023. Sam Sewell is now the Assistant Special Teams Coach with the Arizona Cardinals, Taver Johnson is the Assistant Defensive Backs Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Payton McCollum serves a Defensive Assistant with the Indianapolis Colts.
EMU's National Football League Draft Choices
Sow Highlights | Sow Draft Selection.
Ramirez Highlights | | Ramirez Draft Selection.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (EMUEagles.com) – For the first time since 1977, multiple Eastern Michigan University football student-athletes had their dreams come true at the 2023 National Football League (NFL) Draft held outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., April 27–29. Offensive lineman Sidy Sow (Bromont, Quebec-J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville) was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (117th overall), while defensive end Jose Ramirez (Lake Alfred, Fla.-Auburndale-Arizona-Riverside City) was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round (196th overall).
The duo marked the first time in 46 years that multiple EMU players have been drafted in the same season. That year, Mark Carter went to the Miami Dolphins in the 10th Round (264 overall) and Jim Stansik headed to the San Diego Chargers in the 12th Round (319 overall).
Watch the stars of the future as Eastern Michigan football season tickets are on sale. EMU continues to offer the Ultimate Fan Season Ticket Plan for just $150. This package includes a wide chairback with armrests on the 50-yard line along with VIP season parking. Chairback Season Tickets are $120 and include a chairback in Reserved Sections 104-109. Reserved season tickets are just $108 (Reserved Sections 104-109), while General Admission season tickets are $84 (Sections 110-114 and the visiting side). Call 734.487.ENOW (3669) or visit EMUEagles.com/tickets
Sow and Ramirez join former kicker Chad Ryland (Lebanon, Pa.-Cedar Crest), who was selected by the Patriots. Ryland was selected five picks ahead of Sow by New England with the 112th overall pick. After the shock wore off, Sow immediately called Ryland on FaceTime. The two friends were about to be NFL teammates.
"I thought it was the craziest thing in the world. I needed to talk to him," Sow said. "To be honest, having a really close friend to go through this whole process and now this summer we'll go through heading into next season, having somebody like him on the same team going through the same thing is going to be amazing. Once we got on the call, we talked about how crazy, unrealistic and impossible that scenario could've been but it actually happened. It's just awesome."
Eastern Michigan also had multiple players taken in the 1972, 1973, and 1974 NFL Drafts.
In 1972, Dave Pureifory was picked by the Green Bay Packers in the Sixth Round (142 overall), while Will Foster (Philadelphia Eagles - Seventh Round - 170 overall), Larry Ratcliff (Philadelphia Eagles - Eighth Round - 196 overall), and Sam Elmore (New England Patriots - 13th Round - 325 overall) also heard their names called.
During the 1973 Draft, Bill Dulac (Los Angeles Rams - Seventh Round - 167) and Ron Fernandes (Miami Dolphins - 10th Round - 260 overall) were both ushered into the professional ranks. Then in 1974, Jim Pietrzak (New York Giants - Sixth Round - 132), Dave Boone (Minnesota Vikings - 11th Round - 285 overall), and Frank Kolch (Pittsburgh Steelers - 13th Round - 333 overall) joined the exclusive club as draft picks.
"As a little kid watching Tom Brady slinging the football all around and being amazed by it and giving me the love of football and now get them to call me on draft day and tell me they want me, it's just an amazing feeling," Sow said.
Sow grew up in Quebec, Canada, where he was a two-time member of Team Canada's football squad. He was rated the third-best prospect for the Canadian Football League draft going into the 2021 season but deferred his draft status to the 2023 class. He started 11 of 13 games played at left tackle as a "true" freshman in 2018 at Eastern Michigan, then moved to left guard for 12 starts in 2019. Mid-American Conference coaches voted him third-team all-conference in 2020 for his work in six starts at left guard and he was a first-team pick in 2021 and 2022 as he started all 13 contests at that spot both seasons for the Eagles.
The all-time leader in Eastern Michigan history in games played (56) and games started (54), Sow will go down as one of the best offensive linemen to don the green and white.
On the field for 949 snaps in 2022, Sow helped the Eagles lead the MAC in red zone offense (93.9 percent) and third down percentage (44.9), while finishing second in team passing efficiency (137.86). All told, the Bromont, Quebec, native allowed just two sacks this season and only six in his distinguished career.
One of the most dominant pass rushers in college football, Ramirez finished the 2022 regular season slate on numerous national leaderboards. The MAC's defensive MVP and an All-American via three major publications, he was tied for the nation's lead with 1.00 sacks per game. He finished second in the FBS in total sacks (12.0) and third nationally with 1.6 tackles for loss per contest. He also owned the nation's second-best single-game performance in terms of sacks this season. He collected a program-record 4.0 in Eastern's game at Western Michigan University, Oct. 8. That game was one of three multiple-sack performances he issued for EMU this season.
Ramirez was Eastern Michigan's third-leading tackler this season with 66 stops, and led the Eagles in both quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (2).
His 12 sacks were an all-time single-season record at EMU. He finished with 20.5 sacks in his career, which places him second all-time in program history behind only Avery Brown . He is only the fourth player since 1998 to record double-digit sacks in a single season for Eastern Michigan.
Additionally, Ramirez had 19.5 TFLs during the 2022 regular season, tied for ninth in school history and the most since multiple-year National Football League veteran and E-Club Hall of Fame inductee Jason Jones recorded the same number in 2007. His 34 career tackles for loss put Ramirez fifth in the EMU record book. He has earned All-MAC status in consecutive seasons.
"Chad is a stud. He's the best kicker in the nation and he's going to be one of the best kickers in the NFL. 100% fact," Sow said. "As a person, I love him. He's a great dude. We've known each other for a while. We still talk to each other to this day. We're big Call of Duty partners. It's crazy we're once again teammates."
Ryland finished his EMU career as the program's all-time leader in PATs made (141) and PATs attempted (145) at EMU. The Lebanon, Pa., native connected on 56 field goals, which ranks second in program history. He also holds the EMU career points scored with 309 as well as the EMU's single-game record with five FGs made in 2021 versus Western Michigan.
After graduating from EMU, Ryland transferred to the University of Maryland for the 2022 season. In College Park, Ryland was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection. He made 19-of-23 field goals, an 82.6-percentage, including a perfect 9-for-9 from under 40 yards. He had the eighth-most points scored in a season all-time by a Terp with 96 and the fifth-most field goals made in a single season with 19. All told, Ryland ended his Maryland career with the highest field goal percentage (.826) ever by a Terp kicker with over 20 attempts.
"Cold weather, it's obviously not the most ideal conditions to kick a football. Not a lot of people want to kick in that. But I do," Ryland said. "I'm a cold-weather guy. I like the cold. I like the wind. For me, it's that challenge of 'bring it on.' Obviously there's a lot that goes into kicking in those conditions... I love it. I don't shy away from it. It certainly has helped me to develop into the kicker I am today."
EMU football has a long connection to the NFL and the 2023 season only deepened those bonds.
For the 14th time, an Eastern Michigan football alumnus became a Super Bowl Champion. Andrew Wylie and the Kansas City Chiefs took center stage across the country, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35, inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The game marked the third Super Bowl appearance in the last four years for Wylie as a member of the Chiefs. Wylie is one of 11 former Eastern Michigan University football players to take part in a Super Bowl and with his win, he joins the company of just four other former Eastern student-athletes that have captured multiple Super Bowl rings (Reggie Garrett - Steelers, John Banaszak - Steelers, Ron Johnson - Steelers, Charlie Batch - Steelers). Wylie is already one of only six former Eastern Michigan players to capture a Super Bowl crown (won Super LIV – 2020- with Chiefs).
Furthermore, three members of the EMU football coaching staff in 2022 moved on to new jobs with NFL franchises in 2023. Sam Sewell is now the Assistant Special Teams Coach with the Arizona Cardinals, Taver Johnson is the Assistant Defensive Backs Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Payton McCollum serves a Defensive Assistant with the Indianapolis Colts.
EMU's National Football League Draft Choices
| Year | Round | Pick | Overall | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | 21 | 2 | 243 | Nick Manych | Baltimore Colts | E |
| 1967 | 13 | 13 | 328 | Robert Rodwell | Washington Redskins | LB |
| 1970 | 14 | 15 | 353 | Bob Lints | Green Bay Packers | G |
| 1971 | 3 | 20 | 72 | Al Clark | Detroit Lions | DB |
| 1972 | 6 | 12 | 142 | Dave Pureifory | Green Bay Packers | LB |
| 7 | 14 | 170 | Will Foster | Philadelphia Eagles | LB | |
| 8 | 14 | 196 | Larry Ratcliff | Philadelphia Eagles | RB | |
| 13 | 13 | 325 | Sam Elmore | New England Patriots | DB | |
| 1973 | 7 | 11 | 167 | Bill DuLac | Los Angeles Rams | G |
| 10 | 26 | 260 | Ron Fernandez | Miami Dolphins | DE | |
| 1974 | 6 | 2 | 132 | Jim Pietrzak | New York Giants | T |
| 11 | 25 | 285 | Dave Boone | Minnesota Vikings | DE | |
| 13 | 21 | 333 | Frank Kolch | Pittsburgh Steelers | QB | |
| 1975 | 14 | 25 | 363 | Mike Strickland | Minnesota Vikings | RB |
| 1976 | 7 | 22 | 204 | Clarence Chapman | Oakland Raiders | WR |
| 1977 | 10 | 13 | 264 | Mark Carter | Miami Dolphins | TE |
| 12 | 12 | 319 | Jim Stansik | San Diego Chargers | TE | |
| 1978 | 1 | 22 | 22 | Ron Johnson | Pittsburgh Steelers | DB |
| 1981 | 7 | 25 | 191 | Ken Miller | Dallas Cowboys | DB |
| 1988 | 7 | 7 | 172 | Gary Patton | New York Jets | RB |
| 1998 | 2 | 30 | 60 | Charlie Batch | Detroit Lions | QB |
| 1999 | 1 | 21 | 21 | L. J. Shelton | Arizona Cardinals | T |
| 2003 | 7 | 41 | 255 | Kevin Walter | New York Giants | WR |
| 2005 | 7 | 23 | 237 | Chris R. Roberson | Jacksonville Jaguars | DB |
| 2008 | 2 | 23 | 54 | Jason Jones | Tennessee Titans | DE |
| 2009 | 4 | 9 | 109 | T. J. Lang | Green Bay Packers | T |
| 2016 | 6 | 41 | 216 | Darius Jackson | Dallas Cowboys | RB |
| 2017 | 7 | 32 | 250 | Pat O'Connor | Detroit Lions | DE |
| 2019 | 4 | 4 | 106 | Maxx Crosby | Oakland Raiders | DE |
| 2023 | 4 | 15 | 115 | Sidy Sow | New England Patriots | G |
| 6 | 19 | 196 | Jose Ramirez | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | E |
Players Mentioned
DL
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