There was never any doubt that Larry English had a high ceiling with his talent. But when his named was called No. 16 overall in 2009 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, English, and many others, were surprised.

“To be honest, I didn’t know where I was going to go today,” English said. “Fortunately it was called earlier than later so I’m happy.”

With the pick, English is the highest draft player in NIU history, passing John Spilis (No. 64 in 1969) and is the first NIU draft pick since Garrett Wolfe and Doug Free in 2007.

“It means a lot to me. One reason is the history of the program and those guys who moved on,” said the former NIU defensive end. “It’s important to me to leave a good legacy and I feel I have done that.”

The Marimon Academy product was recruited by former NIU coach Joe Novak and excelled to two Vern Smith Leadership Awards for the MAC MVP and has boasted 31.5 career sacks, making him the NIU all-time sack leader. It was those pass rushing skills that led the Chargers to take English at No. 16.

“We need to bring pressure. This is a guy that can bring the heat,” said Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. “[He’s] physical, nasty, great presence. We’re going to give him to coach [Ron] Rivera and turn him loose.”

Novak, who coached the Huskies in 2006, was watching the draft from his home in North Carolina and was pleasantly surprised by the pick. Novak said he had only heard talk of English going in the late first or early second round, and also said he heard very little talk about the Chargers.

“I’m very happy for Larry and his family. I think they will be very happy with Larry,” the former head coach said. “It’s very deserved. He’s a great kid, great family and he worked really hard for this.”

English, a Bears fan growing up, will head back to the city that hosted the Poinsettia Bowl when the Huskies went in 2006.

“I enjoyed my time out there,” English added. “It’s a beautiful city. It’s a beautiful place. I’m happy to be coming out there.”

English headed to San Diego on Sunday to meet with his new team, where he will play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense alongside Pro Bowlers Shawne Merriman and running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

“I’m so happy to get started. I’m happy to be a Charger. I’m blessed,” English said. “I’m real thankful for the position I’m in right now. I’m ready to go to work.”