Ole Miss TE French to turn pro
Posted: Saturday January 02, 1999 04:22 PM
| |
French could be the first tight end taken in the NFL Draft Todd Warshaw/Allsport |
OXFORD, Miss. (Ticker) -- All-American tight end Rufus
French has opted to forgo his senior season at Mississippi and
enter the NFL draft.
The hulking French, who stands 6-4 and weighs 250 pounds, is a
definite early-round selection and may be the first tight end
taken in the draft. During this past regular season, he ranked
third nationally in receptions among tight ends and fifth in
yards.
"I do feel it is unfortunate that a 20-year-old is having to be
faced with such a tough decision, but it's the rules we have to
live by," Ole Miss coach David Cutcliffe said. "We will continue
to support Rufus and wish him well. We also will encourage him
to return to school and pursue his degree."
French was third on the team with 39 catches and 432 receiving
yards, both tops among all Southeastern Conference tight ends.
The native of Armory, Miss., also caught a pair of touchdown
passes, helping the Rebels to a 7-5 mark.
He had a team-high four receptions for 46 yards and ran once for
9 yards in Thursday's 35-18 victory over Texas Tech in the
Independence Bowl.
French closed his career at Mississippi with 88 catches for 860
yards and four touchdowns in 33 games.
© 2003 SportsTicker Enterprises, LP
| 
