Acker Selected By 49ers In NFL Draft

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NEW YORK (SMU) – SMU cornerback Kenneth Acker has been chosen by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2014 NFL Draft. Taken with fourth pick of the sixth round and 180th overall. Acker is the ninth Mustang to be drafted in last six years, joining Cincinnati Bengal Margus Hunt (2013), Washington Redskins Aldrick Robinson (2011), Josh LeRibeus (2012) and Richard Crawford (2012), Tennessee Titan Taylor Thompson (2012), Pittsburgh Steeler Kelvin Beachum (2012), Denver Bronco Emmanuel Sanders (2010 – Selected by Pittsburgh) and New Orleans Saint Thomas Morstead (2009).

Acker started his final 38 games on the Hilltop and was named All-Conference in each of his last two seasons. In 2013, Acker totaled a team-high three interceptions to along with a team-high 13 pass breakups for a total of 16 passes defended. His average of 1.33 passes defended per game average tied for 12th nationally.

As a junior, Acker led the team with 12 PBUs and tied for team lead with three interceptions. He was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 10 after notching two interceptions and scoring two touchdowns – one on an interception return and one on a blocked field goal try – against SFA. He was an integral part of an SMU defense that posted two shutouts, tied an NCAA season record for pick-sixes, and tied for third in the country in total takeaways and second in fumble recoveries for TDs.