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Former Boston College Eagles linebacker Luke Kuechly has been selected by the Carolina Panthers with the No.9 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Kuechly is the first BC linebacker to ever be taken in the first round of the draft and just the 17th BC player ever.
Considered the top middle linebacker in this year's class, the 6-foot-3 native of Cincinnati opted on Jan. 6 to bypass his senior season at Boston College to declare for the draft. A First-Team All-American last season, he led the country in total tackles with 191 and solo tackles with 102. He was also the only unanimous selection to the all-ACC first-team defense, cementing his place as one of the best players in school history.
For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, visit SB Nation Boston. For a complete list of 2012 NFL Draft results (hyperlinked) as they happen, visit SBNation.com. For more on the Boston College Ealges, visit the SB Nation blog BC Interruption. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.