Detroit Lions Draft Killebrew in 4th Round

Published: April 30, 2016 | Author: Alex Homer | Read Time: 2 minutes

The Detroit Lions have a new face to the franchise.

Southern Utah University safety Miles Killebrew was drafted in the 4th round as the 111th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Killebrew makes history as the University’s highest drafted player ever.

But he won’t be the last, Killebrew will be followed by T-Birds James Cowser and LeShaun Sims are also expected to be selected by a pro team in the 2016 Draft.

Killebrew is a 6’2” safety that is built like a rock at 217 pounds. He impressed scouts at the NFL Combine in February with 22 reps on the bench press, first among all safeties, while also recording a 38” vertical and a 127” broad jump, second and third respectively among all safeties at the Combine. The safety improved his 40-yard dash and ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at the SUU Pro Day in March.

“I’m beyond excited that Detroit chose me,” Killebrew said. “I’ve been watching these guys play forever and to finally be a Lion, I just can’t wait to put on that helmet.”

Killebrew had a monster four years for the T-Birds as he had more than 100 tackles in his last two seasons along with having three interceptions during those years. He earned All-Big Sky Recognition during each of his four seasons with the T-Birds. Killebrew was a key component of the T-Birds run this past year to a Big Sky Conference Championship as he led the team in tackles with 132.

A native of Las Vegas, Nev., Killebrew was not heavily recruited coming out of Foothill High School. Former SUU Football Head Coach Ed Lamb took a risk on Killebrew, which has now paid off.  

“I was thrilled when I received the offer to play football at SUU,” Killebrew remembers. “I think Coach Lamb saw potential and took a gamble on me, and I’d say that gamble paid off.”

While Killebrew was a mainstay for the T-Birds defense during his time at SUU, he also excelled in the classroom. He was a CAD CAM engineering tech major and served as the College of Science and Engineering senator.

“SUU provided me with so much,” Killebrew said. “When I first arrived at SUU, I felt the support, direction and encouragement from day one. I knew that at SUU I could become the person I wanted to be.”

SUU Head Football Coach Demario Warren said to Killebrew’s Draft announcement, “I would like to congratulate Miles on being drafted. We are all so proud of everything he has accomplished.”

Killebrew will most likely play the safety or linebacker position in the NFL. His first NFL action will be in a preseason game on August 12 against Pittsburgh Steelers.

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