Dec. 30, 2010
Bronx, N.Y. -
The Wall Street Journal's Sophia Hollander features John and Stephen Skelton in an article posted on the paper's website today. To read the piece click here.
The article features John's road to the NFL and Stephen's chances on joining him there.
John Skelton became the first Ram to appear in an NFL game since Aki Jones appeared in four games with the Washington Redskins in 2005. He also is the first Fordham quarterback to take a snap in an NFL regular season game since Ed Danowski played with the New York football Giants in 1941.
Skelton was the Cardinals' fifth-round draft pick last June, becoming the first Fordham football player to be drafted by an NFL team since 1968. A 2009 Second Team All-Patriot League selection, he wrapped up a record-shattering career for the Rams that fall, closing out the year completing 284 of 441 passes (64.4%) for 3,708 yards and 26 touchdowns. He set new school marks for completions and passing yards, breaking Kevin Eakin's former school records of 247 completions for 3,072 yards set in 2003 as well as breaking Steve O'Hare's completion percentage record of 63.1% set in 1997. Skelton led the NCAA FCS in passing yards/game (337.09) and was ranked second in total offense (348.18 yards/game), fourth in completions per game (25.82) and total passing yards and tenth in passing efficiency (149.95).
Over his career, John Skelton completed 802 passes for 9,923 yards and 69 touchdowns, all school marks. He shattered Joe Moorhead's career completions record of 518 while also surpassing Eakin's career marks for passing yards (6,112) and touchdowns (45).
Stephen Skelton just completed his senior year at Fordham as one of the most prolific tight ends in school history. He caught 42 passes or 443 yards (10.5 yards/reception) and three touchdowns this year, all second best on the team. Skelton tied for eighth in the Patriot League is receptions per game (3.8).
Stephen Skelton emerged as a pass-catching tight end in 2009, hauling in 63 passes from his brother John, for 634 yards and six touchdowns. The 63 receptions were the most all-time for a Fordham tight end and the fifth best total in school history. Skelton had two 100-yard receiving games that fall, a ten-reception, career-high 138-yard game against Old Dominion on October 3rd and a career-high 13-catch, 102 yard contest against Holy Cross on October 31st. Skelton ranked fourth in the Patriot League in receptions per game (5.7), 31st in the NCAA FCS, and ninth in the conference in and 81st in the NCAA receiving yards per game (57.6).
Over his career, Stephen Skelton recorded 127 receptions for 1,313 yards and ten touchdowns, all career-highs for a Fordham tight end. He is seventh on the school's all-time receptions list and tied for eighth in career touchdown receptions.
