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Former LSU cornerback Jonathan Zenon has pedigree on his side. That could play a big factor in how he fares in this weekend’s NFL draft. Zenon is one of a handful of fifth-year seniors that was part of the 2003 and 2007 Bowl Championship Series championship teams. He hails from Breaux Bridge High School, which in recent years has produced LSU standouts Domanick Williams (formerly Domanick Davis), Charles Alexander and Jessie Daniels – Zenon’s cousin. “Jonathan was a big part of that group,” said Breaux Bridge football coach Mike Mowad. “They never played freshman football. They were varsity players all four years. They were exceptional.” As LSU fans may remember, Zenon cemented his place in Tiger lore by returning an interception for the game-winning touchdown in December’s Southeastern Conference championship game against Tennessee. “If he doesn’t return that interception, there is no national title,” Mowad said. LSU could return the favor Saturday. NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier said the purple and gold pedigree will go a long way in determining Zenon’s draft status. “LSU does nothing but help him,” Detillier said. “Teams gravitate toward certain schools, and they know [LSU players] are well-coached after playing under [former LSU coach Nick] Saban and [former LSU defensive coordinator Bo] Pelini. LSU coaches well for the NFL.” Detillier said the rigors of the SEC schedule give lesser-known prospects like Zenon an edge over the rest of the field. “He has been through a tremendous amount,” Detillier said. “SEC football is the closest there is to the NFL, and [Zenon] has played when [the game] is on the line.” Zenon hired agent Ben Gibson in the offseason to represent him in the draft process. Gibson said the busiest time in the agent-player relationship are the weeks leading to the NFL draft. “[Zenon] is getting calls daily – three this morning actually,” Gibson said. “NFL teams want to know if he’s staying in shape, how he’s spending his free time … these teams do their homework.” At 5 feet, 11 inches and 190 pounds, Detillier said Zenon is too “frail” for a starting NFL cornerback. “He’ll probably go in the sixth or seventh round,” Detillier said. “What is going to help [Zenon] is the zone defenses. He’s going to be a good nickel or dime corner, where there’s less ground to cover.” The transition would be nothing new for Zenon. He was a running back at Breaux Bridge, but switched to cornerback for his senior season of high school. “He always made good hits and never stayed hurt for long,” Mowad said. “He takes care of business and has the potential to be a great pro.” Detillier said NFL teams often overlook a player’s intangible qualities. “He’s not the best pro prospect, but he’s got great instincts, and he makes plays,” Detillier said. “There is a lot to say about heart, and you can’t grade that.” Zenon plans to watch the draft this weekend at his grandparents’ house in Breaux Bridge. Gibson said the volatile nature of the draft limits the amount of preparation he and Zenon can do. “During the weekend, I’ll make some calls and send some faxes,” Gibson said. “But it all crumbles after it starts, and everyone’s draft board gets rearranged.”
—Contact David Helman at [email protected]