April 27, 2008

Villanova University senior tight end Matt Sherry heard his name called on day two of the 2008 NFL Draft. Sherry was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the last pick of the sixth round (207 overall). He becomes the first Wildcat to be drafted by the NFL since Brian Westbrook was selected in the third round in 2002.

Sherry started all 11 games for the 7-4 Wildcats in 2007 and tallied a team-best 37 receptions for 461 yards and five touchdowns. In a win over William & Mary on Oct. 6, Sherry registered his first career 100-yard receiving game with seven catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. His career totals include 89 receptions for 1,059 yards and nine touchdowns.

For his efforts in 2007, Sherry earned numerous honors. In addition to garnering first team All-CAA and first team All-ECAC accolades, he was also a Sports Network Honorable Mention All-American selection, the CAA Student-Athlete of the Year and the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic Football Performer of the Year.

Sherry, a native of Rumford, R.I., graduated from Villanova in May, 2007 with a finance degree. He is currently pursuing his MBA from Villanova where he owns an impressive 3.84 grade point average.

Villanova now has five players under contract in the NFL. The five include wide receiver Brian Finneran (Atlanta Falcons), running back Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles), safety Raymond Ventrone (New England Patriots), center Christian Gaddis (Buffalo Bills) and Sherry.