Trevor Penning has found his football home.
The highly touted offensive tackle became the first Northern Iowa player ever selected in the NFL Draft's opening round, going No. 19 overall to the New Orleans Saints on Thursday evening. Penning surpasses former UNI standout Brad Meester, who previously held the title as highest Panther drafted after going No. 60 overall in 200.
This selection culminates an incredible rise for one of the draft's unlikeliest superstars. Penning had zero recruiting fanfare out of high school — UNI and South Dakota were the only Division I schools that offered — followed by a circuitous college career.