May 2, 2016 By Eleanor Bailey 3 min read

The Chicago Bears drafted Nick Kwiatkoski in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. The Bethel Park product was the 113th pick overall in the NFL Draft.

According to the Bears, Kwiatkoski “brings toughness to the field and is an explosive tackler.”

Kwiatkoski had a stellar four-year career at West Virginia University. In fact, he was the heart and soul of the Mountaineers’ defense, not to mention the leading tackler for the past three seasons.

The 6-2, 243-pound linebacker produced 303 tackles – of which 28 were for losses. Also for the Mountaineers, he broke up 14 passes and recorded 5 ½ sacks. He intercepted six passes, forced three fumbles and recovered two in 48 career games.

Kwiatkoski, 23, earned first team All-Big 12 honors during a senior season in 2015 when he produced 86 total tackles, 10 tackles for losses, three sacks, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

When he played at Bethel Park, Kwiatkoski was utilized as a tailback and receiver on offense and a safety on defense.

“Nick had good size and he was a skilled kid,” said BP head coach Jeff Metheny. “He could run routes and catch the ball and he was a phenomenal free safety.” When West Virginia recruited Kwiatkoski, he started as a free safety, figuring he would mature and grow into a linebacker. He did. Kwiatkoski picked up nearly 50 pounds.

“Nick found a place and he was absolutely relentless in the weight room,” Metheny said. “And, all of his hard work has paid off. Though difficult to do, he did.”

Indeed, draft picks do not come out of Bethel Park every day. Tom Skladany was a three-time All-American at Ohio State before being selected by Cleveland. He punted for the Browns from 1978-1983, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1981.

Of Kwiatkoski’s selection, Metheny said, “It’s so exciting and we couldn’t be happier for him and his family. Nick’s a great human being and he comes from a super family. We are proud of him.

“Nick is an intelligent young man. Level headed and humble,” Metheny added. “He’s a team player as evidenced by him being named captain.”

While Kiwiatkoski demonstrated the tools to have a great college career, Metheny said that he could not predict the pros. “He definitely had the qualities to play and have a major impact at WVU, but you never know what will happen. Nick certainly worked hard to craft his skills to play at the next level.”