Some people go to college for six years and they?re called doctors. But for much of his six years at Colorado, Quinn Sypniewski was seeing doctors.
The 6-foot-6, 270-pound tight end, selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round ofthe NFL Draft Sunday, was the first player in school history to receive a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA after two medical redshirt senior seasons.
“I?ve put a lot of time and hard work into my college career, and I was really hoping that the sixth year would pay off,” Sypniewski said. “Waiting on Sunday and then hearing my name called by the Ravens was a relief and a very special moment. I think it also showed how my perseverance has paid off. Now, I need to take that perseverance and develop my game at the next level.”
Sypniewski had his first senior season in 2003 cut short by a toe injury, and his second, in 2004, was shortened by a broken leg. He resurfaced in 2005 with 29 catches for 447 yards and five touchdowns.
The Ravens already have one of the best tight ends in football in Todd Heap. But with the Ravens putting an emphasis on the running game, Sypniewski could compete with blocking tight end Dan Wilcox.
“If we?re going to run the football, then we?re going to need someone who can handle the point of attack,” Ravens? general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “You know that we like to utilize Todd in a lot of ways. We like to utitilize Dan Wilcox in some things out of the backfield, but we need a point-of-attack guy. We think Quinn can do that.”
The Ravens also view him as a possible offensive lineman, given his size.
“He may be 280-290 (pounds), so even though we?re starting him at tight end, if he continues to grow, he might be a guy who could be like Matt Lepsis and move to tackle,” Newsome said.
THE SYPNIEWSKI FILE
Hometown: Granger, Iowa
High School: Johnston
College: Colorado
Did You know? Sypniewski was a high school All-American at Johnston, and the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year in 1999. He caught 22 passes for 453 yards and a touchdown.
