Tank Dell to Continue Noteworthy History of Houston players in the NFL
With the 2023 NFL Draft approaching, there are several players that are making waves despite being from a non-power 5 conference known as “Group of Five”. An example in this year’s class is none other than sleeper receiver, Tank Dell. Tank Dell has come on to the national scene after dominating college football in 2022. In his final year at Houston, he led all receivers in total yards and touchdowns.
The University of Houston has a rich history of producing talented football players who have gone on to have successful careers in the National Football League (NFL). Here is a look at some of the notable NFL players from the University of Houston.
Andre Ware
Andre Ware is one of the most successful players to come out of the University of Houston. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1989, and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Ware played for the Lions, Raiders, and Jaguars during his NFL career, and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1990.
Case Keenum
2. Case Keenum played quarterback for the University of Houston from 2007-2011. He set numerous records during his college career, including passing yards (19,217), touchdowns (155), and completions (1,546). Keenum went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, but was signed as a free agent by the Houston Texans. He has since played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns.
David Klingler
3. David Klingler played quarterback for the University of Houston from 1988-1991. He set numerous records during his college career, including passing yards (9,430) and touchdowns (91). Klingler was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft, but struggled during his NFL career and only played in the league for four seasons.
Wilson Whitley
4, Wilson Whitley played defensive tackle for the University of Houston from 1978-1982. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft, and played for the team for three seasons. Whitley's NFL career was cut short due to injuries, but he is remembered as one of the most dominant players in University of Houston history.
Since 2013, The University of Houston has produced 4 1st round draft picks including DJ Hayden, William Jackson III, Ed Oliver, and Damarion Williams. In 2022, Dell proved that he could be a part of that group. Fast forward to April, with two days until the annual draft, Dell has slid up boards and is projected to go top 64 and put yet another Houston Cougar in the NFL.