INDIANAPOLIS — There’s something about Iowa and tight ends that has been a successful combination.
San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle is proof that they can have continued success in the NFL.
Two of the top tight end prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine hope to follow in Kittle’s footsteps. Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant have been regarded very highly, not only for their production, but because of their experience in coach Kirk Ferentz’s pro-style offense.
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Both Hockerson and Fant revealed they have kept in touch with Kittle through their preparation for the combine and how he has been an inspiration to them. While there has been a little controversy and competition between the two tight ends, the one thing they both agree on is how Kittle has been a positive influence.
“One hundred percent,” Fant said. “Been talking to George Kittle all the time and he’s a great guy. I look up to him. He’s done a lot for me, keeping in touch and giving me advice. It inspires me, getting the opportunity to get into the NFL and do the same thing hopefully.”
“George is a great player,” Hockenson said. “He’s such a great guy, too. He was there my freshman year, I was able to look up to him, and he still texts me.
“The success that he has, he deserves it. He goes to work every day, he’s a leader, he learned the playbook. He just put his head down and worked, and it’s gotten him so far.”
San Francisco 49ers
Fant revealed the advice that Kittle gave him prior to the combine likened him to an older sibling. He gave him simple but clear instructions.
“As far as meeting with teams and being happy to be there and have a good attitude and things like that,” Fant said. “Those are all general knowledge, but as far as my talks with George go, him checking in on me, seeing how I’m doing, seeing how I’m dealing with things, making sure I’m getting sleep while I’m here.
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“It’s almost like a big brother figure almost. He does a great job of just staying in touch with me and I can tell he genuinely cares about how I’m doing.”
This is not the first time that Kittle has offered advice for Iowa prospects as they leave the Hawkeye program. He also kept in touch with the five attendees from Iowa that were in Indianapolis in 2018.