Tinley Park's Tevin Coleman Drafted in 3rd Round by the Atlanta Falcons

Running back Tevin Coleman of Tinley Park — who was born 10 weeks premature in 1993 and was so tiny he could fit in his mother’s hands — was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the NFL draft in Chicago. Coleman, a 2012 graduate of Oak Forest High School, was the 73rd pick in the draft Friday night.

In his senior year at Oak Forest High, Coleman was ranked as a three-star recruit and one of the top players in the state of Illinois. He rushed for 948 yards, scored 21 touchdowns and was credited with 44 tackles. He played safety on defense.

After high school, the speedy Coleman went to Indiana University. He ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, according to ESPN. Among running backs, he led the nation in 50, 60 and 70 and 80-yard runs. He also recorded a 92-yard run.

An All-American, he declared for the draft as a junior. He rushed for a record 2,062 yards, 15 touchdowns, and caught 25 passes for 141 yards. He was the first Hoosier since 1991 chosen for All-American honors. Coleman is the first Indiana running back selected in the draft since 1997.

Before the draft, he attended the March of Dimes 5K Walk in Chicago on Sunday and spoke to parents.

“I was real little,” Coleman said to parents and supporters of preemies at the walk. “I had a 20 percent chance of living. I’m just glad I’m here.”

Now he’ll be in Atlanta, a rookie in the NFL.

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