Hester’s wish comes true

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Sunday, Apr 27, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

San Diego Chargers Draft Class of 2008

Rd. Pos. Player Notes

1 CB Antoine Cason

2 WR Chris Chambers Acquired via trade with Miami; Pro Bowl after ‘05

3 RB Jacob Hester Acquired via trade with New England

3 S Eric Weddle Acquired via trade with Chicago

4 DB Paul Oliver Acquired via ’07 Supplemental Draft

When LSU running back Jacob Hester was in San Diego two weeks ago for a pre-draft visit, he quickly warmed up to the idea of making Southern California his new home.

“It’s a place I hoped I’d end up,” Hester said. “I’m from Louisiana so going to California with that weather and all, that’s where I wanted to be.”

But the sunshine was only the second-biggest reason why he hoped he’d be wearing lightning bolts by the end of the weekend.

“I’m definitely excited about the chance to play for a winner,” Hester said. “In high school I won a championship and in college I did as well. I’m not used to losing.”

Hester got his wish when the Chargers traded into the third round Sunday morning to draft the versatile Hester. The Shreveport, Louisiana native woke up Sunday hopeful that he wouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called. He was the sixth player taken Sunday.

“I was told it would be in the third round, but I didn’t know if it was going to be high or late or what,” Hester said. “I was excited when it was as early as it was and that it was the Chargers.”

After selecting Hester, the Chargers spoke highly of his attitude and approach to the game. Assistant General Manager Buddy Nix praised Hester’s ability to do a lot of things and willingness to do whatever he’s asked. That’s exactly the approach Hester promised when he was reached by Chargers.com shortly after being selected.

“I think I can do a lot of things,” Hester said. “If they ask me to catch passes or run the ball a few times a game, I’m happy with that. I got a lot of carries in college. My first two years I lined up in the ‘I’ and was the lead blocker for Joseph Addai. That’s something I’m comfortable with. I’ve done it all in the backfield. Everything you can do, LSU pretty much let me do it.”

The Chargers believe Hester can also immediately contribute on special teams, and he’ll embrace that opportunity.

“Even my senior year when I was getting almost every carry, I was on every special team, even field goals and extra points,” Hester said. “That’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing.”

Hester comes from good bloodlines. He is distant cousins with former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw and has enjoyed getting to know the Hall of Famer a little bit.

“I’ve had a chance to talk to him a couple times,” Hester said. “We got to really catch up at the Sugar Bowl when he called the game. I’ve talked to him about what to expect when you get to the NFL. Who better to learn from?”

Hester’s name was called at roughly 7:30 a.m. Pacific Time, so a call he placed to his former college teammate Buster Davis, the Bolts’ top pick a year ago, went unanswered.

“It’s early in San Diego,” Hester said. “He’s probably still sleeping. I got a chance to hang out with him when I was on my visit. It’s going to be fun playing with him again. I’m just so excited to be a Charger.”

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