When Dan Gronkowski took the field for the first time atMaryland four years ago, he envisioned quarterbacking the Terrapins, but now he?s content helping a teammate accomplish that goal.
The 6-foot-6, 263 pound redshirt junior has transformed himself into a tight end who will end his collegiate career catching passes from junior quarterback Jordan Steffy, not throwing them. Gronkowski is a co-starter with senior Joey Haynos, but is nearly as strong as his predecessor, current San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis. Gronkowski can squat 635 pounds, which is second to Davis among Maryland?s all-time tight-ends.
Gronkowski knows his path from Maryland will not end with a five-year, $23 million NFL contract waiting his signature like Davis had after he was selected sixth overall in the NFL Draft in 2006. But that doesn?t mean Gronkowski won?t make a good living.
He graduated in May with a marketing degree and is enrolled in Maryland?s business school.
“I always took 15 credits during the semester and nine over the summer and that?s how I got ahead,” Gronkowski said. “I?m only taking 10 credits right now so I don?t have much school to go to. The projects are a little tougher, but I have a little more time on my hands now.”
Gronkowski, 22, is scheduled to reach the required 54 credits towards his MBA within two years.
“Hopefully it gets me a good job if I?m looking for one right away,” Gronkowski said with a laugh, before declaring he?d like to first try to earn his paycheck playing football.
And why not? Gronkowski and Haynos ? both of whom played behind Davis ? will see plenty of action this season.
“Big targets are No. 1,” Steffy said of the tight end?s greatest attribute. “You can always count on them to be there. Not only as targets, they?re pretty good blockers. I just feel comfortable with them there and they add another part to the offense.”
Gronkowski, who made just two catches for 11 yards and a touchdown last season is known more for his blocking.
“We?re all real close. We?ve all made ourselves better,” said Gronkowski, who did not have a reception in the team?s season-opening victory over Villanova. “If one person has a bad day, the other is the starter the next day. Its hard, but it makes us all better.”
