Headed north: Macon’s Quintez Cephus realizes NFL Draft dream

For two picks, the NFL Draft’s fifth round illustrated the football talent nestled within Middle Georgia.

Quintez Cephus got the call Saturday for the 166th-overall pick of the Detroit Lions, then passed the honors to former Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm for his long-awaited selection by the Buffalo Bills.

Cephus, a Stratford Academy product, was the lone receiver chosen by the Lions. He nearly doubled his production in his junior season at Wisconsin, which led him to forgo his senior season. Cephus recorded 901 yards and seven touchdowns on 59 receptions for the Badgers. He has played wide receiver since his senior year of high school, but was once a quarterback.

“I’m a receiver that makes plays,” Cephus told Lions reporters after he was drafted. “I’m a complete receiver. I’m willing to block, I’m willing to make catches and I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to help my team to be successful.”

Cephus, at the NFL Combine, showed impressive strength as he led wide receivers with 23 reps at 225 pounds. His other combine statistics included a 4.73-second 40-yard dash, a 38.5-inch vertical jump, a 124-inch broad jump and a time of 4.33 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle.

The Lions opened up the draft by selecting Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah in the first round. Once rivals, Okudah said Cephus was the toughest receiver he had to face.

“Football is played between the lines and he’s a technician,” Okudah told Kyle Meinke of MLive. “He’s someone that I changed up my plan for every week.”

Cephus was one of three Middle Georgia natives selected, after the Cleveland Browns chose Harrison Bryant in the fourth round.

This story was originally published April 26, 2020 at 10:00 AM.