Former Gophers walk-on Blake Cashman selected by Jets in NFL Draft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (FOX 9) - Former University of Minnesota walk-on linebacker Blake Cashman was picked by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the NFL Draft Saturday afternoon. He was the 157th overall pick. 

Cashman, an Eden Prairie native, will graduate from Minnesota May 20 before he starts his NFL career.

He played 48 career games for the maroon and gold, racking up 183 tackles and 12 sacks.

Before his junior season, Cashman was given a scholarship from Head Coach P.J. Fleck.

Fleck offered his congratulations on Twitter Saturday after Cashman’s selection, using the Jets’ fan rallying cry to cheer on his former player.

“So proud of you!!” Fleck said. “J-E-T-S JETS, JETS, JETS!!”

This story was reported from Minneapolis.