TE Kroft Opts to Enter 2015 NFL Draft
Dec 30 | Football
By Tom Luicci
ScarletKnights.com
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Tight end Tyler Kroft said his decision to pass up his final year of eligibility at Rutgers to enter the NFL Draft "was not a decision I made lightly," with feedback from pro scouts convincing him that the timing was right to make the move.
Kroft, a 6-6, 240-pound fourth-year junior from Downingtown, Pa., announced today that he will enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
"It definitely was a difficult decision," he said shortly after making the announcement. "I didn't have a decision made right up until the bowl game. That's why I played that bowl game like it was just another game.
"After the bowl game, obviously there was a lot of excitement after the win. I went back home, spent a few days with my family, talked it out and hashed out the pros and cons of staying and the pros and cons of leaving. We ultimately made the decision it was time for me to move on and take it to the next step."
"We thank him for all of his contributions and everything that he's added to our program over the last four years," head coach Kyle Flood said shortly after meeting with Kroft and his dad. "He has four (classes) left to graduate, which he should be able to get done this spring, and we're looking forward to him having a great career in the NFL going forward.''
Kroft said he sought out a draft grade from NFL scouts before making the decision, and while he chose not to reveal what it was he said "It was what I thought it would be with how this year went."
After leading Rutgers in receptions (43) and receiving yardage (573) in 2013, Kroft saw his numbers slip to 24 catches for 269 yards without a touchdown catch (he had four last season).
"My biggest concern is the production and how few catches I had this year but once they (NFL scouts) put on the tape I think they'll see that obviously football is an 11-person game and you need all 11 people doing their job to be successful," he said. "I think the other things I can do beyond being a pass receiver is something that comes through when you put on the tape.
"Obviously there was a level of disappointment with the production. Last year I was the go-to guy and this year it was Leonte (Carroo) and a couple of other receivers who came through. Of course I want to be the go-to guy every year, but I think what came through were the other aspects of my game like the blocking. I think I really progressed a lot this year in that area.
"I think as far as becoming a complete tight end it's night and day compared to last year for me."
Kroft said his family participated fully in the decision-making process.
"We just kind of stepped back as a family and evaluated all aspects of how I played throughout my last two years, how the tight end class (for the draft) is looking this year - basically how I stack up. It was not a decision I made lightly," he said. "We looked at all aspects of it and came to a family decision."
Kroft finished his Rutgers career with 70 catches for 901 yards with five touchdown receptions. He earned first-team all-AAC honors and was named an honorable mention all-America by SI.com following the 2013 season.
"I think I left a legacy of a hard-working, team-oriented player," he said. "I think people see that when they throw on the film. I felt I was always a team player.
"I also feel like I've put in a lot of work the past four years and I'm close to accomplishing everything I wanted to. This is not a three years and out situation. I've been there four years. I only need 12 credits to graduate, so coming back to get my degree won't be an issue."
