After his final season of eligibility, Rhodes College offensive lineman DJ Coker (Buford, Ga. / Greater Atlanta Christian School) signed as an undrafted free agent in May with the Houston Texans. He will focus on playing center and guard for the Texans. Coker leaves for Houston on Thursday, May 9. Rookie minicamp begins May 10 and organized team activities will begin as soon as rookie camp has concluded.

"The Texans showed the most interest out of any team in my process as a prospect," said Coker. "I loved how much of an effort they put into getting to know me as a person. It proved to me that they are an organization that cares not only about my ability as an athlete but my decision making and character off the field." 

Coker was named first team All-America his senior season by the American Football Coaches Association and was the only junior honored as an All-American (second team) in 2017. Coker is also the only Lynx to garner All-America status in back-to-back years. He's also been named an All-American (second team) by D3football.com in 2018 and third team in 2017.

"I've heard from several head coaches in our conference who also passed along how excited they are for him," said head coach Jim Ryan. "DJ has worked very hard to put himself in a position to be afforded this opportunity. Our football program is very proud of him, and we know he will represent Rhodes well."

Coker will report to the Houston Methodist Training Center for the first time on Friday. When the rookies report for their orientation, they'll start to learn what's expected of them and what it means to be a member of the defending AFC South Champions.

Coker isn't the first Lynx to make it to the national level, but he is the first in over 30 years. Rhodes has had three other undrafted free agents in punter Kirk Seufert (Dallas Cowboys 1985) and Hall of Famers Mike Palazzolo (Cincinnati Bengals 1986), and Jerry Hampton (Detroit Lions 1979). The only known drafted Lynx was Hall of Famer Tom Mullady who went in the seventh round of the 1979 National Football League Draft to the Buffalo Bills. He later signed with the New York Giants where he played tight end from 1979-1984. 

"I have my dream job, people fresh out of college can rarely say that and I will not take my good fortune for granted," said Coker. "I believe I made it this far due to my consistent work ethic and an ability to surround myself with people who inspire me to be great. Being a rookie in the NFL will bring its challenges, but I know the Texans staff will guide me along the way. Rhodes College was always in the back of my mind as I prepared to transition to the next level. We are a small school, filled with hidden gems that have the potential to make a difference in our world. That attitude encompasses our campus and helped form my identity." 

Coker is the youngest of three, "which makes a time like this bittersweet for my mother. She sacrificed a lot in raising me, and is excited to see me venture into my life as an adult. Everyone from my family to extended family knows how much this stage in my life means to me. They are providing me with a lot of support and great life advice."

At the 2019 Rhodes Athletic Awards Ceremony at the end of April, Coker was presented the Walter E. Gay Award (pictured above), honoring the outstanding senior male athlete of the year.