April 29, 2011
Villanova University offensive tackle Ben Ijalana was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Ijalana was the 49th pick overall. He becomes the first Wildcat to be drafted by an NFL franchise since tight end Matt Sherry was a sixth round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008. Prior to Sherry, Brian Westbrook was the last Wildcat to be drafted (3rd round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002).
"Ben might be the best offensive lineman that has ever played at Villanova," said Wildcat head coach Andy Talley. "He will be an outstanding professional who will continue to get better. He has the physical tools and mental approach to be a top notch NFL lineman."
Ijalana, a native of Hainesport, N.J., and a graduate of Rancocas Valley High School, started all 53 games of his Villanova career and helped the Wildcats to a 40-13 record, three NCAA playoff appearances and the 2009 FCS National Championship.
A two-time first team All-American, Ijalana was also a three-time first team All-CAA selection. For his efforts in 2010, he earned first team All-American distinction from the Associated Press, Sports Network, Walter Camp Foundation and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Prior to the 2010 season, he was the only FCS player to be named to the Outland Trophy Watch List. Ijalana finished 10th out of 53 players in the final voting. The Outland Trophy is awarded to the top interior lineman in the country.
"Ben is by far the best offensive lineman that I have had the opportunity to coach," said Villanova Offensive Line Coach Mark Ferrante. "He is an outstanding athlete who loves the game of football. Ben is a gifted pass blocker who has worked extremely hard over the years to put himself in the position he is in now. As good as he was for us, I believe his best days are ahead of him. Ben will be a huge success at the next level."
The 6-4, 320 pound Ijalana will earn his degree in criminal justice from Villanova at the school's graduation ceremony on May 16.
