Red Flash Star Lorenzo Jerome Awaits Word on 2017 NFL Draft

Saint Francis is on the brink of sending its first Red Flash player to the NFL since 1945, thanks to Lorenzo Jerome. 

The Criminal Justice major is graduating next weekend with his fellow seniors, but it's his plans this weekend that are sure to rack his nerves. 

Lorenzo is eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, and is hoping be picked up by Day 3.

Prior to his impressive collegiate career at Saint Francis, Lorenzo was raised in Florida and born in New York City.

“My favorite team growing up was the New York Giants because I was born in Manhattan,” Lorenzo told the Altoona Mirror. “I always wanted to play in the NFL. I dreamed about it since I was playing backyard football. I used to play my PlayStation 1 and the old-school Madden when Ricky Williams was with the Saints.”

A star defensive back and four-time Northeast Conference first-teamer, Lorenzo led the Red Flash to its first NEC Regular Season Title and an FCS Playoffs Bid. Lorenzo finished his career with the Red Flash with 252 total tackles, 18 interceptions, 1,225 kick-return yards and 295 punt-return yards. 

Coach Chris Villarrial praised Lorenzo's ability to apply defensive pressure.

“He baits quarterbacks into making that throw,” Villarrial told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “He just understands where he needs to be in coverages and I think that’s been the strongest part of his game. His field vision. He’s a gamer and when the lights come on he’s ready to go. His vision as a returner, he’s good at finding the holes. He’s the type of guy that’s hard to coach because he just sees it.”

Lorenzo recently penned a story reflecting on his career at SFU entitled Who is Saint Francis? He highlighted the many achievements of the team, and his pride for his soon-to-be alma mater. 

"I'm happy that I could help show the NFL where Loretto is.  We have a lot of talented players here.  I know those guys will keep working hard," he said.

He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "I had a lot of people in my ear saying things [like] why is he going there, why’s he doing this. But I stuck with it, and it turned out great."

“You always have to prove yourself to people because as a rookie they want to see what you can do,” he said. “My mindset is just to dominate, do what I have to do and become a leader and lead the team because I want to win the Super Bowl once I get in there. That’s my mindset. I’m just going to give all I got and thank God that he has me in this situation.”

The SFU family sends prayers and good wishes to Lorenzo at the draft this weekend!