Meet the Rookies — Raiders' LB Nathan Stupar

Programming note: Get to know the Raiders 2012 rookie class with SportsNet Central's feature series "Meet the Rookies." The spotlight shines on Christo Bilukidi Tuesday night at 6 and 10:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.

Ryan BuckleyCSNBayArea.com

Expectations are rarely high for a player selected in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, but Raiders 2012 7th round pick Nathan Stupar brings a versatility and a unique pedigree to the silver and black.The final round of the NFL draft can be a roller coaster for many NFL hopefuls. As the 2012 draft was nearing its end in the seventh round, Penn State linebacker Nathan Stupar was questioning whether hed be selected at all.It just felt like it wasnt going to go my way, and that I was going to be a free agent. So I just put my phone on my lap, kind of crossed my arms and closed my eyes, and literally two minutes later my phones ringing. I look at it and I go, Oakland California, what do these guys want?and my dads like, Answer! Answer! So I pick up my phone and he goes Hey, this is Coach Allen, we want to use our last pick on you. And it was just the best feeling."Most rookies come in to the league with a lot to learn, but Stupar has special knowledge of what it means to be a Raider due to a unique family connection.What an Oakland Raider means to me is excellence. Theyve always prided themselves on being tough, physical, smart guys. My uncle, Jeff Hostetler played here and he just love the area and loved the fans theyre all loud and really connected and just want to be there for you. Its just an amazing feeling to have so much support.Being a late round pick, Stupar knows that he has his work cut out for him, but the linebacker believes that he has the tools to make this Raiders team.You can watch me play and youll rarely see me in a bad position, a bad spot, and I finish. When I get to a tackle, I rarely miss open field, close quarters, and I pride myself in that I just want to come in here and compete and work my hardest and know that I did that at the end of reach day and make that 53-man roster. That would be a dream of mine and Im excited to try.