DID YOU KNOW? Doug Wilkerson is North Carolina Central University's highest overall NFL draft pick, as the Fayetteville, N.C., native was selected with the 14th pick in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.
After spending his rookie season in Houston, Wilkerson was traded to the San Diego Chargers, where he started on the offensive line in 195 games during the next 14 seasons.
Wilkerson appeared in three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1981-83, and was voted to the All-NFL First Team in 1982. He was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame in 2000.
During his career at NCCU (1965, 1967-69), Wilkerson was a three-time all-conference (CIAA) honoree and received first-team all-America citations from the NAIA, the American Football Coaches Association and the Pittsburgh Courier for his play as both an offensive and defensive lineman.
As part of North Carolina Central University's Centennial celebration, the NCCU Department of Athletics will post sports history facts from the institution's first 100 years to its official web site, www.NCCUEaglePride.com, every week during the year-long observance.
