Syracuse Football: Best non-first round SU picks in NFL Draft history

• Second round pick (39th overall) in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
• Played for Syracuse from 1985 through 1988.

A position that doesn’t get much love anymore is the fullback position. Heck most NFL teams don’t even carry one anymore. That makes me cherish guys like Daryl ‘Moose’ Johnston even more. Only a few schools even offered him an opportunity coming out of high school, fortunately Moose chose SU.

Speaking of, how did Daryl get the nickname ‘Moose’? Well after he was drafted by ‘America’s Team’ in 1989, backup quarterback Babe Laufenberg called Daryl ‘Moose’ because he was so large compared to the other running backs on the Dallas Cowboys.

Before we get to his raving success with the Cowboys, let’s go back to where it all began. ‘Moose’ won the starting fullback job in his sophomore campaign for the Orange and the rest is history. He was an All Big-East selection, an All-American, and he also tumbled for 139 yards in a game once, which is only second best to Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka for the single game record.

While his success with Big D is obvious. He helped pave the way for the No. 1 leading rusher of all time in Emmitt Smith. Johnston is also considered one of the greatest special teams players in Cowboys history. ‘Moose’ should be remembered as the guy who was willing to do whatever it takes for the team and that’s how I remember him.