Adam Trautman first Dayton Flyers player drafted in 43 years

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“We’ve had a lot of good football players in my time here,” Dayton coach Rick Chamberlin said in a press release. “Young men come to the University of Dayton to get a great education and play for a winning football program. But in my 45 years at UD as a player, assistant coach and head coach, we’ve never had anyone with the potential to make an impact at the next level that Adam Trautman has.

“The university gave Adam every opportunity fulfill his dreams with our facilities, support and the coaching in our program, but make no mistake about it — all credit goes to Adam for his commitment and the sacrifices he has made to take advantage of his God-given abilities and put him in this position.”

A 6-foot-6, 253 pound redshirt senior from Williamsburg, Mich., Trautman is the first UD player drafted since it made the move to non-scholarship football. The last Dayton player drafted was offensive tackle Bill Westbeld, chosen by the Seattle Seahawks in the 11th round of the 1977 draft.

In 1972, two Dayton players were drafted. The Miami Dolphins selected running back Gary Kosins in the third round with the 77th overall pick. Dayton had another third-round pick in 1959. The Washington Redskins drafted  the Washington Redskins picked Emil Karis with the 28th overall selection.

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Trautman finished his college career last fall as UD’s all-time leading receiver (178 catches, 2,295 yards, 31 touchdowns). He was named the PFL’s Offensive Player of the Year and was the first tight end to win the award.

ESPN rated Trautman the second-best tight end in the draft behind Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet and the 63rd best player overall. He was the fifth tight end drafted in the first three rounds.

“Trautman ran the third-fastest three-cone time at the combine, is quicker than fast and flashes as a route runner,” ESPN draft analyst Steve Muench wrote. “He's not a track star, but he plays a little faster than his timed speed and has got the frame to win 50-50 balls downfield. Trautman is good after the catch. His technique is inconsistent, but he's a willing blocker who plays with an edge.”