LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State halfback Jason Huntley was selected with the 27th pick in the fifth round (No. 172 overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions on Saturday, April 25.

Huntley is the 13th Aggie running back drafted since 1948 and the first since Chris Barnes in 2001. Of NM State's five draft picks since 2011, two have been selected by the Lions (DB Jonte Green - 2012).
 

From NM State to the NFL@thejasonhuntley is headed to the @Lions.#NFLDraft x #ProAggies pic.twitter.com/VMj4beYExh

— NM State Football (@NMStateFootball) April 25, 2020

"I was happy, I was speechless," Huntley said. "All my hard work just paid off, and I'm just happy to be a Detroit Lion. That's the biggest thing, I'm just happy to be able to get with my teammates and just make the best of it."
 
With Huntley's selection, the Aggies have now had two student-athletes drafted in the last three years. WR Jaleel Scott was scooped up by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

"We're all so proud of Jason," NM State head coach Doug Martin said. "He's a great example for all players that if you're unselfish and really wanted to be coached, great things can happen for you. He'll have a great career."

"You see the burst. He gets out in the open field, he can go."

That's @thejasonhuntley we know.#NFLDraft x #ProAggies pic.twitter.com/KbuR0XHPKj

— NM State Football (@NMStateFootball) April 25, 2020

Huntley finished his time in Las Cruces as one of the most accomplished running backs in program history. One of only three NM State tailbacks to earn All-American accolades (2018), he ran for 2,182 yards in his career, which ranks as the seventh-most rushing yards in school history. Huntley's 18 career rushing scores rank as 11^th most in the team record book.
 
The Arlington, Texas, native rushed for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns in his senior campaign, running for 100 or more yards in five games during 2019. He became one of 12 Aggie running backs since 1954 to dash for 1,000 or more yards in a season.

Huntley was a weapon catching passes out of the backfield for the Aggies, making 134 career receptions - ninth most in team history. He finished his collegiate career with a reception in 36 consecutive games.
 
He also excelled as an all-purpose player while at NM State. After an NCAA-leading three kickoff return touchdowns in 2018, Huntley finished his collegiate career with a school-record five kickoff return touchdowns.

NM State now has five former standouts in the NFL. Huntley joins former Aggie linebacker Terrill Hanks (Dolphins), tight end/long snapper Kyle Nelson (49ers), defensive back Winston Rose (Bengals) and Scott (Ravens) at the next level.

NOTES
- Huntley is the fourth NM State student-athlete to be selected by the Lions, joining DB Jonte Green (2012), DB Walt Williams (1997) and QB Bill Bowerman (1976)
- Huntley is the first running back from NM State to be selected by the Lions and only the second offensive player to be drafted by Detroit, joining QB Bill Bowerman (1976)
- Huntley joins RB Kim Locklin (1985) and RB Chris Barnes (2001) as the only NM State running backs to be drafted since 1976

A CLOSER LOOK
Tim Twentyman, Detroit Lions writer: He's the only back in this class to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in college. This pick screams to me third-down, multi-purpose back in Darrell Bevell's offense. He also made an immediate impact in college as a kick returner and has five return touchdowns over his career. He'll compete in Detroit as a kick returner and third-down back. Lions GM Bob Quinn clearly had a plan heading into this draft to bolster his options at running back.

Mike O'Hara, Detroit Lions writer: Small stature but can contribute in a big way with his versatility. This is a pick to upgrade depth at running back and the return game. He'll add competition at both spots.

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