Southfield-Lathrup product Eyioma Uwazurike taken by Broncos in 4th round of NFL Draft

Former Southfield-Lathrup star defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called on the third and final day of the NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon.

The Denver Broncos picked him with the 11th pick (No. 116 overall) in the fourth round.

Uwazurike, 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, was a versatile defensive lineman for Iowa State, playing defensive end and defensive tackle, showing his ability to be a powerful edge rusher.

Uwazurike was one of the premier linemen in the Big 12 Conference his senior year, getting in on 42 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors.

More: Overcoming adversities, Detroit native Uwazurike knocking on NFL's door

“Enyi has grown so much in his time at Iowa State, and we are so proud of him and thrilled for him and his family to have this moment,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said on the university's athletics website.

“He was incredibly flexible on the football field and had great success regardless of where we lined him up. His willingness to learn and adapt have really allowed him to impact Iowa State in a tremendous way.”

Uwazurike put himself on college coach’s radar after getting 15 sacks from his defensive end spot his junior year at Lathrup. He arrived at Iowa State at 6-6, 255 pounds, then put on 60 pounds during his college career to make him attractive to NFL scouts.

david.goricki@detroitnews.com