Giants Make Amukamara First-Round Selection

Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara was selected as the 19th overall pick by the New York Giants in the National Football League Draft on Thursday night. Amukamara was at New York City's Radio City Music Hall for the event and was welcomed to the stage by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shortly after the Giants selection.

Amukamara is the 34th all-time first-round draft selection in Nebraska school history. His first-round selection gives Nebraska a first-round pick for the second consecutive year, after Ndamukong Suh was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 draft. This marks the first time Nebraska has had first-round picks in back-to-back years since 1997 (Michael Booker) and 1998 (Grant Wistrom, Jason Peter).

"Prince is very deserving of being a first-round selection," Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini said. "He has worked hard to get to this point in his career and this is a great reward for Prince and his family. In my opinion, he has the all the tools to be an outstanding pro, and I know he will be a great member of the Giants organization."

Amukamara also continues an unbelievable run of draft success for defensive players who have been coached by Pelini. Dating back to his time as the defensive coordinator at LSU, Pelini has had a defensive player he coached selected in the top 19 picks of the NFL Draft each of the past five seasons.

In addition to Amukamara and Suh (No. 2, Lions in 2010), the list also includes LSU defenders Tyson Jackson (No. 3, Chiefs in 2009), Glenn Dorsey (No. 5, Chiefs in 2008) and LaRon Landry (No. 6, Redskins in 2007). Pelini served as LSU's defensive coordinator from 2005 to 2007, and coached each of those Tiger players for at least two seasons.

The 6-1, 205-pound Amukamara capped a stellar Nebraska career by earning unanimous All-America honors as a senior in 2010. The Glendale, Ariz., native was the cornerstone of one of the nation's best secondaries and was tabbed as one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award. He was also honored as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by the conference's head coaches.

Amukamara held opponents to just 18 completions in 52 attempts against him. He also ranked among the national leaders with 13 pass breakups while registering 59 tackles. His play helped Nebraska rank fifth nationally in pass efficiency defense.

Amukamara finished with 27 career pass breakups to rank seventh in school history. He had five interceptions and 64 tackles during his junior season to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors. Amukamara finished his career with 181 tackles, including six for loss, and four sacks.

In addition to his on-field success, Amukamara graduated in December of 2010, completing his sociology degree in just seven semesters.

The NFL Draft will continue on Friday from New York City with the second and third rounds beginning at 5 p.m. CT. Rounds four through seven will take place on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m.