Chargers draft Andrew Gachkar of Blue Valley West and Missouri in seventh round

Missouri linebacker Andrew Gachkar was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the NFL Draft today.

Gachkar, a former standout at Blue Valley West, was the 234th overall pick. He was a second-team all-Big 12 selection in his senior season with Mizzou.

After playing right away as a true freshman at Mizzou in 2007, Gachkar underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in April 2008. The top rib on his right side was removed to alleviate a blood clot that had formed and caused his right arm to swell. Gachkar returned to play that fall as a sophomore and made 28 tackles in 14 games, including two in the Big 12 championship loss to Oklahoma.

By his senior season, Gachkar emerged as one of the leaders of the Tigers’ defense, finishing with 84 tackles, one shy of team leader Zaviar Gooden. Gachkar also had 8 1/2 tackles for loss, two interception and one sack in 13 starts.

This story was originally published April 30, 2011 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Chargers draft Andrew Gachkar of Blue Valley West and Missouri in seventh round."