UConn Huskies defensive tackle Kendall Reyes had high hopes of being taken in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft on Thursday night.

Kendall Reyes #99 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates his touchdown run in the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on November 26, 2011 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.Unfortunately for him, it didn’t work out. But on Friday night after 16 picks were announced, Reyes finally heard his name be called.

With 17th pick in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft (49th overall), the San Diego Chargers took Reyes to help bolster their front seven.

It’s the sixth straight year that a member of the UConn football team has been selected. He’s also the fourth second rounder joining Darius Butler, Will Beatty and Cody Brown who were all selected in 2009 during the second round.

In 12 games this past season, Reyes had 46 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 4.5 sacks and one fumble recovery which he returned a for a touchdown.

He finished up his UConn career with 142 tackles (31.5 for a loss), 11.5 sacks and two interceptions.

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photo credit: Getty Images