NFL Draft: Rutgers' Kemoko Turay chosen by Indianapolis Colts in second round

Rutgers has had three players drafted in the second round in the last 11 years.

Brian Leonard was one, going 52nd overall to the St. Louis Rams in 2007. Ray Rice was another, going 55th overall in 2008 to the Baltimore Ravens, and Kemoko Turay is now the third.

The edge rusher and Newark native was chosen in the second round Friday night, 52nd overall, by the Indianapolis Colts. Turay is Rutgers' highest selection since 2010 when Anthony Davis (11th) and Devin McCourty (27th) both went in the first round.

At a minimum, the untrained eye looks at Turay's career numbers -- 34 games, 96 tackles, 14.5 sacks -- and may be left wondering why there was so much NFL Draft buzz surrounding him.

Here is one reason: His redshirt freshman season was monstrous. That 2014 season saw him named a Freshman All-American by multiple outlets after registering 7.5 sacks and 24 tackles, eight of those coming for a loss. His legend, though, grew on special teams, where he tied for the FBS lead with three blocked kicks.

One moment in particular stands out, Turay rising to block Michigan's 56-yard, go-ahead attempt with 3:01 left to preserve a landmark 26-24 Scarlet Knights win. Make no mistake. Turay is an athletic freak, and that moment was all the proof anyone needed.

Since that 2014 season, Turay has been a bit of an enigma. Shoulder injuries and surgeries contributed to playing only 11 games between the 2015 and 2016 seasons, but with health on his side as a redshirt senior in 2017, some of that old form returned. Turay played in all 12 games, starting nine at defensive end, finishing with 60 tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries.

That production got him to the Senior Bowl, and yielded an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine. Turay injured his hamstring at the combine. He ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, but did not participate in any other drills.

Staff writer Josh Newman: jnewman@app.com; @Joshua_Newman