The College of the Canyons has another alum in the NFL.

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was selected in the first round by the New York Giants. He is the highest drafted NFL player in the history of College of the Canyons.

“I am very excited for Jason and hoping the best for him and his family,” College of the Canyons head football coach Garett Tujague said. “He has been waiting and working to get better each day in preparation for this day. For those who don’t know much about Jason, they will learn quickly about the talent he possesses.”

Pierre-Paul played his freshman year at College of the Canyons. He recorded 49 tackles and 14 sacks earning All Western State Conference honors. He transferred to Fort Scott Community College in his sophomore year before finishing his college career at the University of South Florida.

He had 45 tackles and 16.5 sacks for the University of South Florida in his junior year. He opted for the NFL draft rather than return for his senior season at USF and was the 15th overall pick in the draft. He was the fourth defensive linemen and first defensive end selected in the draft.

Six football players from College of the Canyons are on active rosters in the NFL. They are Troy Nolan (Houston Texans, COC 2004-2005), Justin Tryon (Washington Redskins, COC 2004-2005), Domata Peko (Cincinnati Bengals, COC 2002-2003), J.J. Arrington (Denver Broncos, COC 2001-2002), Jonathan Fanene (Cincinnati Bengals, COC 2000-2001), and Isaac Sopoaga (San Francisco 49ers, COC 2000-2001).