Sunday was a day former Oregon wide receiver Jordan Kent had dreamed about.
But even hours after receiving that phone call and seeing his name scroll across the bottom of the screen on ESPN, the reality of what had just transpired seemed unreal for the former Oregon wide receiver.
He was in.
Kent was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 210th overall pick and 36th pick of the sixth round in the 2007 NFL Draft on Sunday.
“It is a day you dream of and that you’ve lost plenty of sleep over, but it hasn’t sunk in, honestly,” Kent said. “I think back 20 months ago, and I just started playing, struggling to just learn the plays and put on the pads and catch the ball. And here you are now where you have your foot in the door with an NFL organization with an opportunity to make the team. It’s unbelievable.”
And an unbelievable last two years for Kent – from his novelty tryout prior to the 2006 season, to when he became Oregon’s first three-sport athlete since World War II, to now.
Kent spent Sunday nestled with family inside his parents’ home and tuned in to the draft coverage near the fourth round, awaiting that call he finally got from a Seahawks’ secretary.
At first, Kent said he disregarded it as small talk, a chance for the organization to gauge interest in him possibly signing as a free agent, as Seattle had just picked a receiver a few selections earlier in Auburn’s Courtney Taylor. But eventually the secretary handed the phone over to coach Mike Holmgren, who wished Kent congratulations and said he’s really excited about welcoming in the 6-foot-5-inch super-athlete.
“I was just shocked. She said coach Holmgren wants to talk to you and that’s when I knew, ‘oh my gosh, I just got picked up by Seattle,’” Kent said. “It flashed across the screen when I was on the phone. It was a blur.”
And an absolutely unforgettable day for Kent.
The calls – around 20-30 of them, with about that many text messages too – flooded Kent’s phone as he attempted to soak up the moment with his very pleased family.
“Obviously, my family’s thrilled because it’s only a five-hour drive as opposed to being all the way across the country,” Kent said. “They couldn’t be happier.”
Kent added that he received an encouraging call before the start of Sunday’s portion of the draft from Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach and former Duck Bill Musgrave, who said he hoped “we can be calling your name before the end of the day.”
Though they traded Darrell Jackson, the Seahawks still have veteran wideouts in Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson and D.J. Hackett. But Kent believes he can add depth to a team hurt by injuries last season.
Kent leaves for Seattle on Thursday and will attend a mini-camp that lasts until Sunday. He knows there’s certainly work ahead to earn a roster spot, but if his past is any indication, Kent’s well cut-out for the task.
“I feel like it’s a situation where I can make the team,” Kent said. “I’m definitely going to have to find a way to contribute on special teams, but it’s definitely a good situation.
“It’s literally a dream come true,” Kent said. “I’m going to celebrate (Sunday) but get back to work Monday. I know I’ve got a job to do, and this is going to be the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’m ready, I’m prepared, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
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Kent’s gridiron journey lives on after NFL Draft
Daily Emerald
April 29, 2007
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