In the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft, the Lions grabbed a defensive tackle at pick 197: John Penisini from Utah.
Here are five things you’ll want to know about Penisini.
- He played on a defensive line with Bradlee Anae and Leki Fotu who were taken by the Cowboys and Cardinals respectively. The combination of those three made them one of the toughest defensive fronts in all of college football
- His defensive coordinator, Morgan Scalley, is very impressed by his work ethic and his will to win. Fotu said that he’s one of the hardest workers on the team, and is super smart on the field.
- He started playing college football at Snow Junior College, and then transferred to Utah as a sophomore. Over his collegiate career, he played in 40 games and started in 22 of them. He was second on the defensive line with 38 tackles, including seven tackles for losses and two sacks.
- According to Tim Twentyman, Penisini also has a rugby background. He played rugby most of his younger years. He didn’t switch to football until his senior year in high school.
- He graduated with a degree in sociology, and also, apparently is starting to get into painting.
New DT John Penisini was funny, cracking up on the conference call talking about getting into painting with his girlfriend during quarantine. Says his watercolor turned out just okay 😂
— Tori Petry (@sportstori) April 25, 2020
Welcome to Detroit, John! The fans love a hard-working player. We’re glad to have you!