Chargers deal for LSU running back Jacob Hester

Sunday, Apr 27, 2008

Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith made a splash early on Day 2 of the 2008 NFL Draft, trading up to the third round to acquire running back Jacob Hester from LSU with the 69th overall selection.

The Chargers swapped picks with New England to move up to the 69th slot in this year’s draft, sending the 160th overall choice (fifth-round) in this year’s draft and the Bolts’ second-round pick in 2009 to the Patriots. San Diego still holds a compensatory choice in the fifth round of this year’s draft at 166th overall.

Hester was a dual-threat as both a running back and a fullback at LSU where he helped lead the Tigers to the 2007 BCS National Championship in his final collegiate game. As a senior, Hester rushed for 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns. An adept receiver, he also caught 14 passes as a senior for 106 yards and another score.

A starter for his final two seasons at LSU, Hester finished his career with 20 touchdowns on the ground. He’s as sure-handed a ball-carrier as there was available in the draft as he only fumbled once during his collegiate career while rushing for 1,780 yards on 364 carries and averaging nearly five yards per carry in the very tough SEC.

Hester fills a need at running back for the Chargers after Michael Turner signed with the Atlanta Falcons.