Former Blinn College football player Kendall Sheffield was selected in the 2019 NFL Draft while former Buccaneers Corrion Ballard and Javier Edwards signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents in Nashville, Tenn. 
In addition, Blinn former football players Darrion Landry, Jhavonte Dean, and Abdul Beecham received invitations to NFL rookie camps.
"I am extremely excited and couldn't be happier for all six of those individuals," said Ryan Mahon, Blinn head coach. "This is a testament to the type of athlete that Blinn College attracts. We have a very high standard that we set for our athletes."
Sheffield, a cornerback, was selected 111th overall in the fourth round out of The Ohio State University by the Atlanta Falcons, while the Carolina Panthers added former Buccaneer safety Corrion Ballard and the Houston Texans added former Buccaneer defensive lineman Javier Edwards as undrafted free agents.
Sheffield earned NJCCA first-team all-conference honors in 2016 after totaling 31 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two special teams touchdowns. He spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons at Ohio State University, where he totaled 74 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Ballard spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons playing for the Buccaneers. In 2016, Ballard was named the co-defensive player of the year in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference and earned NJCAA first-team All-America honors after finishing fourth on the team with 41 tackles and also recording five sacks and three interceptions. During his senior year at the University of Utah, he totaled 70 tackles, seven pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Edwards played alongside Ballard at Blinn in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, he earned second-team all-conference accolades after totaling 24 tackles and two sacks. During his senior season at the University of Colorado, he totaled 36 tackles. 
Mahon coached Sheffield, Ballard, and Edwards in 2016.
"I have seen first-hand their God-given talent and they all have tremendous ability," Mahon said. "It was so much fun coaching them because of the players and people they are. They made that season one I will never forget."
Landry, a wide receiver, received an invitation to the Cleveland Browns rookie camp. Dean, a cornerback, received invitations to the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns rookie camp and Beecham, an offensive lineman, received an invitation to the Buffalo Bills rookie camp.
There currently are four Buccaneers playing in the NFL: Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers, Dede Westbrook of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Damion Ratley and Devante Mays of the Cleveland Browns.
Blinn will start its 2019 season on Saturday, Aug. 24, against Texas A&T at 7 p.m. at Cub Stadium in Brenham.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
