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From Quarterback to Tight End, the Road ‘Less Taken’ by Gators Superstar Kyle Pitts
The 2021 NFL Draft boasts some ridiculous talent, and rightly so. There are a host of young quarterbacks available for selection along with few highly-regarded offensive talents. One of them is University of Florida superstar, Kyle Pitts.
The Florida Gators tight end made headlines all throughout 2020 with some dazzling attacking displays. Pitts concluded his final NCAA season with 770 receiving yards and 12 receiving TDs playing alongside quarterback Kyle Trask.
He was awarded the John Mackey Award (established in 2000) last year. The annual prize is handed out to college football’s top tight end in a particular season.
But not so long ago, Pitts was struggling to get his football career on track during his early high school days. Why? Well because he was trying to make it big as a quarterback. Read further to see how a lanky young kid from Philadelphia will soon be NFL’s new golden tight end.
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Kyle Pitts college career suggests bright future in the NFL
During his 3-year stay in Florida, Kyle Pitts registered 1,492 receiving yards with 18 receiving TDs on 100 receptions. He featured in 24 games for the Florida Gators. He made the All-SEC team on two occasions (2019, 2020). But things could have been much different for the youngster if it weren’t for a major change during his senior year in high school.
During his teenage years at Archbishop Wood Catholic High School, Pitts was being trained to play at quarterback. Due to his lean built and tall stature, his high school coach believed he was the perfect fit at quarterback. But Kyle struggled to make his mark in that position
It was clear after sophomore year, that he needed a change in order to further boost his shot at making it to a Division I college.
“I didn’t really like it at all. I asked them could I like try to go tight end. He said, ‘OK, well, get in a three-point stance.’ I did that and then he said, ‘You’ll never make it.’ So that’s when I came here, and I’m showing now that I can make it at tight end,” Pitts said in an earlier interview.
.@gatorsfb‘s Kyle Pitts met with the #DallasCowboys in a virtual meeting, discussing his unique skill set, how he’ll fit into an offense & which CB he faced last year was his toughest matchup. pic.twitter.com/OPCsMTlMV7
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 21, 2021
Now, almost 4 years after that decision, Pitts is being touted to be the highest tight end ever taken in an NFL Draft. He is expected to be the first non-QB to be drafted this year.
He continues to be linked with potential moves to the likes of Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and even the Dallas Cowboys.
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