It’s not like it’s never been done before, drafting a college basketball player to play in the NFL – in fact, we’ve seen many success stories. Think of Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, and Julius Thomas. Baylor’s Rico Gathers is hoping to add his name to the list.
Gathers won’t have to leave the state of Texas, as the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the sixth round of the NFL Draft Saturday. Like the other names on the above list, he’ll play tight end.
“The NFL's been a dream for me ever since I was 7 years old,” Gathers told ESPN earlier this month.
One look at Gathers on the hardwood and you could tell he was built more like an NFL player. At 6-foot-8 and a ripped 287 pounds, he was an intimidating presence on the court.
“One thing I say about my 287 and somebody else’s 287: My 287 is sexy,” Gathers told ESPN.
Gathers put up 11.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this year. He was a contributor all four years at Baylor. Check out this buzzer-beater he hit against Kansas earlier this year.
He has a lot of learning to do, but Gathers is pumped for the opportunity.
#FromRebounds2Touchdowns begins. From #Waco2Dallas. I'll take it. Just call me a proud Cowboy ! Can't wait to touchdown !
