April 24, 2005

Droschak: Brown Worth Rooting For
Jason Brown Bio (PDF)

Three University of North Carolina football players were selected in the NFL Draft on Sunday, including center Jason Brown, safety Gerald Sensabaugh and fullback Madison Hedgecock. Brown was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round. Sensabaugh was taken by Jacksonville in the fifth round and Hedgecock was selected by St. Louis in the seventh round.

"I think Baltimore is a great fit for me and my family," said Brown from his home in Henderson. "I know the offensive line coach there and he will help me tremendously. I think I can have a long and successful career in Baltimore. I also have several family members in the Washington, D.C. and Maryland area so I will have a lot of support."

Brown earned All-America honors from Pro Football Weekly and was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2004. Sensabaugh played just one season at Carolina after transferring from East Tennessee State.

Brown started 39 games in his career, including 36 straight at center from 2002-04 and did not allow a sack in his final two seasons. He set school records in each of the last three years for offensive linemen in the weight room, including the squat (775 lbs.) and power clean (419 lbs.).

A team captain as a senior, Brown led an offensive line that was second in the conference in sacks allowed, second in total offense (390.7 yards per game) and fourth in rushing offense (176.2 ypg.). He was named one of seven finalists for the Dave Rimington Trophy which is presented to the nation's top center.

North Carolina has now had one offensive lineman taken in each of the last two drafts. In 2004, offensive guard Jeb Terry was selected by Tampa Bay.

Sensabaugh earned honorable-mention All-ACC honors after starting all 12 games in 2004. He came to Carolina after ETSU disbanded its football program following the 2003 season.

"I'm excited to be going to Jacksonville," said Sensabaugh. "I'm sure ready to play after waiting to find out where I was going. I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

Hedgecock returned to the fullback position for his senior season after playing defensive end as a sophomore and junior. He carried the ball 10 times for 69 yards in Carolina's 30-24 victory over NC State in 2004. He finished his career with 34 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns.