April 27, 2008

Ervin Baldwin 2007 Highlights

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Former Michigan State defensive end Ervin Baldwin, who led the Spartan defense in tackles for loss (18.5 for 89 yards) and production points (239) as a senior, has been selected by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 National Football League Draft Sunday, April 27. Baldwin became the first pick in the seventh round and the No. 208 selection overall.

His 18.5 tackles for loss represent the second-best single-season total in Spartan history. His 8.5 sacks (71 yards) ranked second on the team, trailing only Jonal Saint-Dic. He posted at least one tackle for loss in 11 of the 13 games last season. Baldwin ranked third in the Big Ten and No. 16 (tied) in the NCAA in tackles for loss (1.42 per game), and he finished seventh (tied) in the league in sacks (0.65 pg.).

An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, Baldwin finished seventh on the team in tackles in 2007, recording a career-best 58 stops (27 solos, 31 assists). He played as well as any Spartan defender down the stretch, recording 26 total tackles, with eight resulting in losses (45 yards) including four sacks (39) over the last five games.

"I just wanted an opportunity to play in the NFL and being drafted by Chicago is the highlight of my playing career," Baldwin said. "It's been a long, hard road, but this is a dream come true. This has been a great day for me and my entire family.

"Chicago began showing an interest in me back in February. I made a trip up there and they loved my passion for the game. They were impressed by my speed and quickness, but what they liked most was the way I gave 100-percent effort on each and every play.

"It's really a blessing to be drafted by the same team as Kellen Davis (fifth round). We're both in the same situation, trying to make the transition to the pro game and make an NFL roster. We'll be able to push each other and look out for each other."

The 6-foot-2, 256-pound Baldwin made five tackles against No. 14 Boston College in the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl, including a 15-yard sack.

In his final game in Spartan Stadium, Baldwin matched his career high with six tackles against Penn State, including 1.5 for loss (4 yards).

He made five tackles at Purdue while matching his career high with two sacks (13 yards).

The Oglethorpe, Ga., native also registered five stops against No. 15 Michigan, tying his career best with 2.5 tackles for loss.

Baldwin registered at least one tackle for loss in six straight games (Bowling Green, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Indiana).

Baldwin recorded a career-high six tackles against Indiana, including a career-best two sacks (12 yards). He also returned a fumble - forced by Saint-Dic - 12 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Baldwin compiled 32 production points against the Hoosiers, including two quarterback hurries and two QB hits.

He matched his career-best with six tackles at No. 9 Wisconsin, with two resulting in losses (12 yards) including a 9-yard sack. Baldwin produced five stops each against Bowling Green (including career-best 2.5 tackles for loss), Notre Dame and Iowa.

Baldwin started all 25 games during his two-year career and recorded 93 career tackles (40 solos, 53 assists), with 25 resulting in losses (124 yards) including 12.5 sacks (103).