Jason Slowey 199th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft

With the 199^th pick in the 2012 NFL the San Francisco 49’ers select….

     I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the 6’4” 300 pound offensive linemen from Western Oregon University.  Western Oregon, which is a Division II school, has only had two other players drafted with the most notable being Tight End Kevin Boss.

 Jason was selected 199^th Overall (6^th Round) by the San Francisco 49’ers.  Jason knew the journey to the NFL would be a tough one coming from a smaller school like Western Oregon, but offers advice to players out there in a similar situation. “It shows it can be done. My school is D2 and we’re not a powerhouse my any means, but what I learned from the whole process is that they (NFL Teams) don’t recruit the school they recruit the player,” said Slowey.

     Most people would assume that being selected from a smaller school in the 6^th round is a total shock to the player, but Jason actually knew that this was an area where he could possibly be drafted.   “I was pretty excited, but it was sort of anticlimactic. I spoke to my agent at the beginning of Day 3 and he said this was an area where I was being targeted, so I had an idea that this is where I could go.”  Even though Jason had the idea that this is where he could be drafted he still felt the emotion when his name was finally announced.  “All the players being drafted have the dream about playing professional football, but when I finally heard my name announced the realization of a dream was overwhelming.”

     Slowey knew the 49’ers were interested because he visited them two weeks prior to the draft and met the coaches.  Slowey played tackle at Western Oregon, but at the next level he will have to transition positions to center.  The 49’ers have some quality lineman on their roster and this includes the Center position where Jason is slated to play.  His first game experience playing center took place at an All Star game this past February. Even with being drafted in the sixth round, Jason will have to work hard to make the final 53 man roster. “The starting Center, Goodwin, is a long time veteran, but I’m going to learn and gain as much knowledge as I can and compete for the backup spot. I just hope it all works out,” said Slowey. 

     He’ll have great coaching when he gets to mini-camp because the Niners had one of the best offensive lines in all of football.  Jason mentioned how he is looking forward to learning from great coaches.  “I just want to learn all the technique stuff inside. I have athleticism and physicality, but I need to improve my technique and football knowledge,” Jason said.   When I brought up the 49’ers success, Jason was excited to be going to the team who was one game away from being in the Super Bowl. Jason stated, “It’s exciting. Everyone wants to go to a good team that can compete for championships.”

     Overall, the draft process was a beneficial one for Slowey. Jason discussed how the best part of the process is obviously being selected, and the worst part was the downtime between his Pro-Day and the actual Draft. He said, “Even though the actual time is not long, the reality of waiting to hear on your future as a professional football player is nerve-racking.” 

     Jason was one of three players drafted that were members of the BSN College Network, www.bsncollege.com .  Jason was selected as a 1^st Team 2011 preseason All American as well as a 1^st Team 2011 Post Season All American by the BSN College Network staff.  He was also selected as the #2 ranked player in the 2012 BSN Mock Draft.  On a side note, there was another player in a previous drafted class that was selected with the 199^th pick, Tom Brady.  Jason Slowey has the ability and work ethic to make the Niners 53 man roster this fall.

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