A career not short on early lows continues to rocket towards the highest of highs as Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki was drafted 42nd overall by Miami Dolphins in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday night.
Gesicki caught 57 passes during his senior season follow up a breakout year in 2016 when the New Jersey native hauled in 48 receptions. The final two seasons of his collegiate career a stark contrast to his freshman and sophomore years when Gesicki registered 24 total receptions and faced more criticism than praise.
His 57 catches in 2017 were the fifth best that year in the Big Ten conference.
That would change during the 2016-17 season when Gesicki became a prime target for quarterback Trace McSorley and one of the best receiving tight end in the nation.
Earlier this week Gesicki joined fellow Nittany Lions, Saquon Barkley and DaeSean Hamilton as Nike athletes. Barkley was drafted second overall by the New York Giants on Thursday night. Hamilton is likely the next off the board for Penn State with a host of other players not far behind.
Gesicki is highest Penn State tight end selected in the NFL Draft since Kyle Brady was the 9th overall selection in 1995 by the New York Jets. He is also the first Nittany Lion tight end to be selected since Jesse James went in the 5th round of 2015 NFL Draft to the Steelers.
