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tw i n c i t y do dge presents: boilermakers in the nfl Short Signs BY KYLE CHARTERS AND STACY CLARDIE On Wednesday,theKawann Short became first of Carolina's five NFL Draft picks to sign a contract. The Panthers were glad to have the deal done with the 6-foot-3, 308-pound defensive tackle, their second-round pick in April's Draft. "We are very pleased to have Kawann under contract," general manager Dave Gettleman said in a release. "We felt he was the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in the draft, and we are excited about what he can bring to our defensive front." Prior to the signing, Short had already done plenty of work on his journey to the NFL. Before being accepted at Purdue, he had to take extra summer and night classes to become eligible to play football for the Boilermakers. lected with the 44th overall pick "I worked hard for this. It's in the second round by Carolina. just a good feeling." "Not everybody gets drafted, But Short knew the joy would so you've got to cherish that. This be short-lived. is something that's always going That day only started a new to be part of me," Short said on journey with more challenges Carolina Panthers (left)/Stacy Clardie that day, surrounded by family and more work to be done. Kawann Short (above) poses with his family following the NFL Draft, during and friends at a bar in his homeThe Panthers' first selection which he was taken in the second round by Carolina. He signed Wednesday. town of East Chicago. "It's what I in the draft also was a defensive Over five le who was questioned about his expected, as far as getting drafted. tackle, Utah's Star Lotulelei, and years at Purdue, motor to a subhe transformed 3 0 0 - p o u n d e r from what best who was voted friend and for- most outstandmer teammate ing player on Albert Evans called an "over- the North team weight freshman they had to red- in the Senior 650 Sagamore Parkway South shirt" and a "little junkie kid who Bowl. Lafayette, IN 47905 And then, wouldn't clean up his room" to an See the 2013 Jeep Wrangler! on the second All-America defensive tackle. In the months after graduat- day of the NFL ing from Purdue, Short morphed Draft in April, twincitysuperstore.com from a 320-pound defensive tack- Short was se- TWIN CITY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 800-562-4581 GoldanDBlack express • volume 23, express 30 • 15