Who dat?

(Above) Surrounded by family and friends in Clear Lake, Trevor Penning took a call from the New Orleans Saints as the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.

Penning is ready to show the NFL and New Orleans who he is

by Marianne Gasaway

[caption id="attachment_69068" align="alignleft" width="300"] After speaking with New Orleans Saints management and the press, Trevor Penning joins friends and community members gathered at The Other Place in Clear Lake to help him celebrate being chosen in the first round of the NFL draft. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.[/caption]

“Incredible” was the word of the day for Clear Lake’s Trevor Penning last week, as the New Orleans Saints made him the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

“It’s incredible to think I’m in this situation,” said Penning, who shared the draft experience with family and friends at The Other Place in Clear Lake.  The local hot-spot erupted with cheers when the 6’7”, 325-pound offensive lineman’s name was announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on ABC/ESPN.  “Five years ago, I’d have said ‘no way.’  But every year it became more of a chance that I could do it.  Tons and tons of hours were put in and having it pay off is incredible.”

Penning, who played his high school football at Newman Catholic and college ball at the University of Northern Iowa became the Panthers’ highest draft pick in school history. 

He promises to bring strength and athleticism to the Saints.

“I’m excited to learn from some vets what New Orleans and the NFL is about. I intend to put my best foot forward and help this team win.”

When asked about the ‘tough guy’ mentality that he displayed not only at UNI, but at the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl, Penning said his game plan has always been to dominate the guy across from him.

“Coming out of high school I figured that’s how I would get noticed and recruited.  That’s where it comes from.  It’s also fun,” he grinned.

Incredible.