New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh was over the moon about getting to select a player out of Michigan in the third round of the NFL draft.
Los Angeles used the 69th overall selection to take linebacker Junior Colson from the University of Michigan – Harbaugh’s previous employer and the program he led to a national championship earlier this year – on Friday night.
The reunion had excited Harbaugh so much so that he actually burst out into the Michigan fight song — “The Victors” — as seen in a video posted to social media by the Chargers.
“Hail! to the victors valiant. Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes. Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
the champions of the West!” the Chargers coach exclaimed before the room erupted into applause.
Colson played a role in the Wolverines capturing their first national championship since 1997 when he recorded 10 tackles in Michigan’s 27-20 Rose Bowl win over Alabama and another six in the national title game against Washington.
He finished the 2023 season with 95 total tackles and two passes defended.
“What helped me get here is grit, and the will of God,” Colson said at the NFL combine, according to the Detroit Free Press. “I think He has blessed me with so much potential and talent, and to be here, why waste it? I survived an earthquake, I survived both my parents passing away.
“I don’t think there’s anything that somebody could throw at me that I’m not ready for.”
Colson was the fourth Michigan player selected at the draft when his name was called.
The linebacker isn’t the only Michigan player who will start his pro career in the City of Angels, however.
Running back Blake Corum was picked with the 83rd overall pick by the Chargers ‘ co-tenant in SoFi Stadium, the Rams.