NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State defensive back Don Carey (Norfolk, Va.) was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft on Sunday afternoon.

Carey was the fourth selection of the sixth round, and the No. 177 overall pick. He is NSU's first NFL draftee in the Division I era (since 1998). The last Spartans to be drafted were offensive lineman Kenneth McDaniel and receiver James Roe, both of whom were selected in 1996. McDaniel was a fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys and Roe was a sixth-round selection of the Baltimore Ravens.

Carey was the only MEAC player chosen in this year's draft.

“I'm very glad to get this opportunity, because very few people get a chance to experience this,” Carey said. “It was a long process getting to this weekend, and I'm glad it's over. But I can't wait to go to Cleveland and meet with coach (Eric) Mangini. Now it's time for me to start preparing.”

“We're extremely excited for Don. He is very deserving of this opportunity,” NSU head coach Pete Adrian said. “This just shows you what hard work can do for you. Don had a terrific four-year career at Norfolk State, and we knew he will represent the university very well.”

Carey was a four-year starter for NSU from 2005-08. He was a two-time All-MEAC second-team pick in 2007 and 2008. As a senior in 2008, Carey tied for the MEAC lead with five interceptions. He also deflected six passes and scored two touchdowns, on a 94-yard interception return against Morgan State and a 49-yard fumble return the following week against Delaware State.

Carey capped his stellar career by becoming the first-ever Spartan to be selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game in January. In his four years at NSU, Carey posted 179 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions and 35 pass deflections.