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Vanderbilt’s Haye, Geisinger Selected By NFL Squads 4/24/2005 Haye Goes to Carolina, Geisinger to Buffalo Carolina Panthers web site | Buffalo Bills web site A pair of Vanderbilt linemen, Jovan Haye and Justin Geisinger, were selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft Sunday. Haye, a defensive end from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was taken as the 189th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Geisinger, an offensive lineman from Pittsburgh, Pa., was selected 20 minutes later as the 197th pick by the Buffalo Bills. It marks the first time in four years that multiple Commodores were taken in the NFL Draft. In 2001, four Vanderbilt players — linebackers Jamie Winborn and Matt Stewart, cornerback Jimmy Williams and placekicker John Markham — were drafted by NFL teams. Several other members of the 2004 Commodore squad are expected to sign NFL free agent deals as early as Monday. Geisinger, 6-4, 330, is expected to play offensive guard at the professional level after starting more than 40 games at left tackle during his Commodore career. Geisinger learned of his selection by Buffalo during a phone call with Bills President-General Manager Tom Donahoe. “To tell you the truth, it’s been a pretty long wait. I’m relieved and glad it’s over,” Geisinger said from his parent’s residence in Pittsburgh. “I’m excited about joining the Bills. It’s blue collar, a lot from where I came from, so I’m also happy about that.” Geisinger also becomes the first Commodore offensive player drafted since receiver/running back Corey Harris was taken in 1992 as a defensive secondary prospect. He is the first Vanderbilt offensive lineman drafted since 1986 when Buffalo used its first round pick on tackle Will Wolford, who became an eventual All-Pro for the Bills. Haye, 6-3, 280, learned of his selection by Carolina during a phone conversation with Panther Head Coach John Fox and front office officials of the team. “It’s been two long days, but now I have to work harder than ever before and make sure I do everything I can to help the Panthers,” Haye said. “I’m taking the attitude that the first chapter has been written, with more to come.” Haye, a two-time team captain, was named All-SEC as a sophomore after collecting 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. In 2004, he netted 48 tackles and four tackles for loss while facing frequent double-team blocks. Haye started 34 games in a three-year varsity career. He concluded his career with 149 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and 10.5 quarterback sacks. Geisinger and Haye are expected to be in their respective rookie camps later this week. |
