Troy offensive lineman Jake Andrews was selected by the New England in the 2023 NFL draft on Saturday, going with the No. 107 overall pick in the fourth round.

Andrews (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) was a three-year starter for the Trojans, starting two seasons at right guard before moving to center in 2022. The former Stanhope Elmore High School standout was a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference pick last season, when he helped Troy to a 12-2 record and its first Sun Belt championship since 2017.

Andrews — who played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile in February — is the first Troy played drafted by an NFL team since fellow offensive lineman Antonio Garcia went in the third round to the New England Patriots in 2017. He is the first Trojan who played high school football in the state of Alabama picked in the NFL draft since Eufaula’s Jerrel Jernigan went to the New York Giants in the third round in 2011.

In an interesting twist, the Patriots’ long-time starting center is also named Andrews … David Andrews, that is (no relation to Jake).

Andrews’ NFL.com draft profile reads in part:

Andrews might lack length and be viewed as only a center at the next level, but he plays with strong hands, a wide frame and exceptional strength at the point of attack. His inability to trigger his feet quickly and make fluid redirections in space show up in run blocking and pass protection, but his ability to square up and hold his own against a true nose tackle over the top of him is a valuable talent. Players with Andrews’ thickness and drive-blocking talent tend to find their way onto rosters and often end up sticking around.