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How NFL draft snub fuels Lenoir’s ascent to 49ers stardom originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — Twenty-six cornerbacks were picked in the 2021 NFL draft before the 49ers called Deommodore Lenoir’s name in the fifth round.
That bothers him to this day.
“My mindset was I hope I get drafted early,” Lenoir told NBC Sports Bay Area. “But then when I went late, it was fuel.
“I know 26 DBs are not better than me in this class. It fueled me. It set me back, because I would have way more respect than what I have now.”
Now, acknowledgement of the 24-year-old Oregon product’s play is at an all-time high — and still growing — after he played both on the outside, opposite of Charvarius Ward, and inside at nickel last season. Such a transition rarely is made mid-season, as Lenoir did it, and even less frequently throughout a game.
Lenoir never believed earning respect as a cornerback would be an issue. Not because he saw himself as the best in the game. Because his plan always was to be a star wide receiver.
A Fire Sparked Within
At Bishop Mora Salesian High School in Los Angeles, Lenoir was a two-way player who not only racked up 663 receiving yards and seven touchdowns but also threw the ball for 595 yards and another six scores. But it was his 52 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception that convinced University of Oregon coach Willie Taggart that he needed Lenoir on defense, which ultimately altered the course of his future.
Lenoir resisted the move to the other side of the ball.
“I was like, ‘WHAT?’ ” Lenoir said with a laugh. “I was confused. I thought, ‘Did you just see my highlight tape in high school? I scored like 50 touchdowns. What do you mean play defense? That’s just for fun. I was just doing that for fun. I don’t really play corner.’ “
Even in 2017, as Lenoir watched Oregon teammate Thomas Graham Jr. snag two interceptions against Nebraska, there was little interest.
“I was happy for him,” Lenoir…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-snub-fuels-lenoirs-165139540.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-08-10 16:51:39
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