Huskies pair drafted in second round

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Friday, May 9, 2014 8:47pm
  • SportsSports

Former Washington Huskies players Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Bishop Sankey had to wait until the second day of the NFL draft to hear their names called.

But neither had to wait past the second round. Seferian-Jenkins was selected 38th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday and then Sankey came off the board with the 54th overall pick to the Tennessee Titans.

And it turned out both UW record-setters were ultimately valued more than most every other prospect at their position. Seferian-Jenkins, a Gig Harbor High School alum, was the second tight end selected in the NFL draft. Sankey was the first running back picked, though he set a record for the longest any running back has had to wait for that distinction. This is the second consecutive season that a running back wasn’t selected in the first round.

Regardless, Sankey, a Spokane prep star who set UW’s single-season rushing record in 2013 (1,870 yards), seems to be entering a favorable situation in Tennessee, where All-Pro running back Chris Johnson was released in April and the running back position appears wide open. He’ll also play alongside former UW quarterback Jake Locker, though the Titans recently declined to pick up Locker’s contract option for the 2015 season.

Sankey said Tennessee was the only team to fly him in for a visit, so he had a feeling the Titans might draft him.

“It just feels awesome,” Sankey told Tennessee reporters on a conference call. “I got a great feel when I went down on my visit. All the coaches there were great and it’s a place I really wanted to be. … I’m just ready to get to work.”

Seferian-Jenkins, who owns nearly every single-season and career receiving record for a UW tight end, might have a little more competition. Tampa Bay’s roster lists two tight ends who posted substantial numbers in 2013 — Tim Wright, who caught 54 passes for 571 yards, and Brandon Myers, who caught 47 passes for 522 yards for the New York Giants before signing with the Buccaneers in March.

There is plenty of UW company in Tampa Bay, where Seferian-Jenkins joins three former Huskies — linebacker Mason Foster, safety Dashon Goldson and defensive end Daniel Te’o-Nesheim.

And the 6-foot-5, 262-pound tight end joins a pair of big dudes who can catch passes — the Bucs already have 6-foot-5 wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and used their first-round pick this year on 6-foot-5 wide receiver Mike Evans from Texas A&M.

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht called the trio “the Dunk-a-neers.” He said Tampa didn’t necessarily feel like it had to pick a tight end, but that Seferian-Jenkins, in terms of his availability at that point in the draft, was “sticking out there like a sore thumb to us.”

“I’m going to bring explosiveness, play-making ability and good blocking,” Seferian-Jenkins told reporters in Tampa Bay, according to the Tampa Tribune. “I’m going to bring an all-around tight end who is going to work hard and chase Super Bowls.”

Seferian-Jenkins is the 10th Huskies tight end drafted in the modern era, and the first since the Seattle Seahawks picked Jerramy Stevens 28th overall in 2002. Sankey’s selection is the first of a UW running back since 1998, when the Kansas City Chiefs picked Rashaan Shehee in the third round.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.