CJ West is heading west.
The 2020 Nazareth graduate was picked in the NFL Draft on Saturday by the San Francisco 49ers.
West, a 6-foot-1, 316-pound defensive lineman from Indiana, was the 11th pick in the fourth round, 113th overall.
He’s glad to have an opportunity to work with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
“They’re coaches that really know what they’re doing,” West told reporters after his selection. “And they really have a passion for the game. … That’s the type of coaches I love.”
West isn’t particular about how he fits into the 49ers’ defensive scheme.
“I’m multiple, I can do it anywhere,” he told reporters. “But my bread and butter is the 1 technique. I just abuse centers, punch them in the face, be as violent as possible, create havoc down in the middle.”
He’s the third Roadunner to be drafted. Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love, who is heading into his seventh NFL season, was the first in 2019. Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy was drafted last year, but is preparing for his first pro season after missing the 2024 season because of a torn right meniscus.
West spent the draft weekend with his family, he said in another video posted by the 49ers.
“(They’re) the people who have supported me throughout my college football career,” he said. “I don’t get to spend much time with them while I’m playing football. I’m enjoying every single moment of it.”
When the news came that he was joining the 49ers, West said, “I was so excited. I had a great interview with them … at the combine. I got a good vibe from their coaches.”
West spent his first three college seasons at Kent State before transferring to Indiana last year. He had 14 solo tackles, 26 assists, eight tackles for loss and two sacks in 13 games for the Hoosiers.
In his college career, West had 68 solo tackles, 82 assists, 27 tackles for loss and nine sacks across 52 games.
He was a three-year starter at Nazareth, helping the Roadrunners reach three state finals and win the 2018 Class 7A title.
Off the field, West stayed busy by appearing in multiple musical productions at the school.
Seahawks sign Spartans’ Gaines
Illinois State edge rusher Jalan Gaines, an Oak Lawn graduate, signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.
The 6-4, 245-pounder had 35 solo tackles, 15 assists. 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks for the Redbirds last season.