By Staff
ECU Sports Information
GREENVILLE – East Carolina tight end Davon Drew was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft Sunday.
Drew is the fifth ECU tight end in history to be drafted and immediately follows running back Chris Johnson, who was taken by the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the 2008 draft. The Pirates have had at least one player chosen in the last four consecutive years and in 15 of the past 20 drafts.
Although a three-year All-Conference USA performer, Drew enjoyed a significant break-out season in 2008 by more than doubling his two-year catch and yardage totals as a senior. He established a single-season program record for receiving yards by a tight end with 695 last year, topping all pass catchers with a 16.2 yards-per-catch average after making 43 receptions.
Drew originally signed with the East Carolina program as a quarterback in 2004 but accepted a move to the tight end position during spring drills in 2006 by then second-year head coach Skip Holtz. He quickly adjusted to his new role and responded by closing out his career with play in 40 consecutive games – starting 32.
In all, Drew completed his Pirate career with 78 catches for 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns. Ironically, he turned in his top single-game effort during his last game against Kentucky in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, racking up 120 receiving yards against the Wildcats.
As a starter from 2006 to 2008, he helped guide the Pirates to a combined 24 victories, three-straight bowl game appearances and the program’s first conference title since 1976.
Drew, who will turn 24 on December 9, also ranks as the second-highest Pirate tight end ever drafted – only rating behind Glenn Bass’ fifth round selection in 1961 by the St. Louis Cardinals.