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Colin Granger Signs with Carolina Panthers as Tight End Prospect
The Carolina Panthers have launched an intriguing project ahead of their training camp following a recent announcement.
Colin Granger, a former collegiate basketball player, plans to transition into the NFL as a tight end.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 245 pounds, Granger has officially signed on with the Panthers. Having been out of high school for five years, he qualifies to join the team as a free agent.
Granger’s basketball career spanned institutions like Ohio University, Western Carolina, and Coastal Carolina, where he played primarily as a center. Over his college career, Granger demonstrated his scoring ability with a shooting percentage of 52.3% and accumulated a total of 322 rebounds across his time at the three programs, including 137 rebounds at Coastal Carolina, marking a strong finish to his athletic journey.
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This isn’t the first time the Panthers’ leadership has tapped into the potential of former basketball players for football roles. Head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan successfully converted George Fant into an NFL player while with the Seattle Seahawks. Fant, a former basketball player at Western Kentucky who now stands 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 315 pounds, was transformed into a versatile offensive tackle and tight end and enjoyed a successful seven-season career in the NFL across multiple teams including the Jets and the Texans.
Recent reports indicate that Fant has been mentoring Granger throughout this transition, bringing his own experience into play as he prepares to adapt to a new sport. However, the road ahead may challenge Granger, who hasn’t stepped onto a football field since middle school.
Despite this challenge, the tight end position has seen considerable success from individuals with basketball backgrounds in the past. Icons like Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, and Tony Gonzalez serve as prime examples of athletes who made similar transitions and thrived in the NFL.
As he joins the Panthers in training camp, Granger faces competition from players like Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders for a spot on the roster.
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