Saturday, April 29, 2017
by Cody Bush, PFL Media Relations

PHILADELPHIA – In a milestone moment for the Pioneer Football League, Drake tight end Eric Saubert and San Diego defensive back Jamal Agnew were each selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Saturday. 

It was a highlight for the league which will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the upcoming 2017 season. Prior to the 2017 NFL Draft, San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson (Tampa Bay, 2008, eighth round) and Marist defensive lineman Terrence Fede (Miami, 2014, seventh round) were the only PFL alumni selected in the draft.

In addition, the PFL was one of five Division I FCS conference to have two players selected in the draft. The PFL joined the Colonial Athletic Association, Big Sky Conference, Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Southwestern Athletic Conference with two selections while the entire FCS saw 15 players drafted.

Saubert [Drake Release] was the 147th overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons. He was selected as an All-American in 2017 by four different organizations: the Associated Press, AFCA, STATS FCS and HERO Sports FCS. He was a three-time First-Team All-PFL pick, earning the honor in 2013 before back-to-back selections in 2015 and 2016. Saubert finished his career with 191 receptions for 2,253 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.

Agnew [San Diego release] was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 165th overall pick. He helped lead San Diego to its first FCS playoff appearance in 2016 where it also claimed the PFL's first victory in the FCS playoff. Agnew was a First-Team All-PFL selection in 2016 after earning second-team honors in both 2014 and 2015. He finished his Torero career as the program's all-time leader in passes defended with 59. In 44 career games he totaled 148 tackles (118 solo), with 12.5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery and 11 interceptions