Dolphins sign ex-hoops player Blount as TE
How’s this for a plot twist? The Miami Dolphins signed a former college basketball player, who will try his luck in the NFL as a tight end.
The Dolphins on Thursday announced they signed Jibri Blount, who was the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference player of the year at North Carolina Central last season.
“Plot twist…I’m in the NFL,” Blount wrote in an Instagram post of him signing his Dolphins contract.
“Thank you Miami Dolphins for the opportunity, super excited to get to work.”
Blount has football in his DNA; his father is Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount. He will also be he second in his family to join the Dolphins after his cousin, Akil, spent training camp with the team in 2016 as a linebacker.
Although Blount never played a down of college football, his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame could translate well to the football field.
Blount may have an uphill climb in his first NFL camp with the Dolphins. Along with his transition to the sport, he’ll compete with six other players at his position.
Tight ends Mike Gesicki, who led the team with six touchdown catches last season, and Durham Smythe enter their fourth and final seasons of their rookie contracts.
Adam Shaheen, who played in all 16 games last season, and Chris Myarick, who was on the practice squad last season, enter their second year with the Dolphins.
The Dolphins drafted Hunter Long out of Boston College in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft last week.
The Dolphins also signed fullback/tight end Cethan Carter to bolster their special teams unit this offseason.
Blount played two seasons of college basketball at Cleveland State before transferring to NCCU where he averaged with 19.2 points and 9.5 rebounds in his final season.
And Blount already has well wishes for his transition from his former basketball coach.
“My heart is smiling. One of the most incredible people I’ve ever coached. Football is in his DNA so it’s no surprise. Go be GREAT Champ. Love u boss! #WeAreNCCU,” NCCU coach LeVelle Moton posted on Twitter after the signing.