LUFKIN, Texas — One East Texan is off the boards.
Lufkin's Ja'Lynn Polk was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Polk, a wide receiver out of the University of Washington, was given a 6.21 prospect grade which is equivalent to "eventually becoming an average starter" in the NFL.
"[He's a] wideout with good size who posted a productive final season to build upon during the draft process," NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said of Polk. "Polk might not have the early acceleration to overtake and stack NFL press corners. He also lacks ideal suddenness getting in and out of his breaks as a route runner. He runs routes with consistent pace -- including through his stems and turns -- which can create some freedom. However, Polk shines once the ball goes up. He can carve out space near the boundary, catch with strong hands when contested and track and finish when he heads deep."
In 2023, Polk played in all 15 games for the Huskies - the College Football Playoff runner-up. He recorded 14 starts, rushed for 1,159 yards and hauled in nine touchdowns.
