Former Weber State linebacker J.D. Folsom was well-prepared for life after football, having already been accepted to veterinary schools at Oklahoma State and Washington State.

But Folsom's well-laid plans changed for the better when the Miami Dolphins selected him in the seventh round of the NFL draft on Sunday. The pick was a surprise – to even Folsom – as few draft experts had the inside linebacker slotted in the draft's seven rounds.

"It was a surprise," Folsom said. "Most of the teams were talking to me about picking me up after the draft as a free agent."

Wildcats coach Ron McBride said the Dolphins closely followed Folsom throughout Weber State's Big Sky co-championship season in 2008. Folsom's stock with NFL teams increased after he had a solid performance in his pro day. Miami probably figured Folsom wouldn't be available to be signed as a free agent because teams such as the Colts were showing strong interest in him.

Folsom, who played inside and outside linebacker at Weber, was the 214th player selected. He'll play inside linebacker and special teams for the Dolphins. Double duty won't be anything new for Folsom, who despite being a first-team All-Big Sky pick at linebacker, contributed on special teams as well.

"It's just a great opportunity to provide a living for my family – that's the biggest thing right there," said Folsom, who's married to former Weber State volleyball player Micah Lines. The couple has a one-month old daughter.

Folsom was the only Weber State player selected in the NFL draft on Sunday. The only other Wildcat who had a realistic shot of getting picked was fullback Marcus Mailei. He is going to sign a free-agent deal with the Eagles. He attended a pre-draft meet-and-greet in Philadelphia, and is flying out to the city of brotherly love to sign with the Eagles on Thursday.

"All indications I had were that he was going to be drafted," McBride said. "I don't have a clue (why he wasn't)."

E-mail: aaragon@desnews.com