South Jersey native Logan Ryan selected by the New England Patriots

Logan Ryan couldn't have been happier or more excited. The Rutgers redshirt junior cornerback and former Inquirer South Jersey Defensive Player of the Year from Eastern High, was selected on the third round in the NFL draft on Friday by the New England Patriots.

The 5-foot-11, 191-pound Ryan was the 83rd overall selection.

"I feel great about things," Ryan said shortly after being drafted in a phone interview.

He wasn't surprised that New England selected him.

"I didn't know when I would be picked but I know they needed a corner and felt they could be the team," Ryan said.

Ryan said the Patriots were one of the teams he visited with prior to the draft. He said the Patriots came up to Rutgers to meet with him and watch him work out.

"I felt great about the meeting with the Patriots and felt like I showed them all I wanted to show and gave it all I got," he said.

And now he's excited to get started.

"It's a great organization and I knew I was the type of person and football player who would fit in the organization," he said.

Ryan is following in the footsteps of another former Eastern star Chris Canty, who was drafted in the first round by New England, 29th overall in the 1997 draft.

In addition, the Patriots are certainly familiar with Rutgers players. Ryan's former Rutgers teammates Devin McCourty, a defensive back and Justin Francis, a defensive end, are on the Patriots roster.

In addition, Rutgers senior free safety Duron Harmon, was also selected by the Patriots on Friday in the third round as the 91st pick.

Ryan started all 13 games for Rutgers in 2012. He had 94 tackles, 17 pass breakups and four interceptions. He helped Rutgers go 9-4 and earn a share of the Big East championship.

"I pride myself on being a winner and I want to play important football games," Ryan said. "I don't think there is a better organization for that than New England."

Contact Marc Narducci at mnarducci@phillynews.com. Follow @sjnard on Twitter.