Unique NFL upbringing

After playing only one year of college football at tight end, George Fant was obviously expected to go undrafted.

He was not among the 15 collegiate tight ends to receive an invite to the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. NFL teams were more focused on his teammate, Tyler Higbee, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

At Western Kentucky’s pro-day, Fant was listed as an offensive lineman. He impressed Seahawks co-director of player personnel Trent Kirchner, working out at various positions, including both tackle positions and linebacker. Although there was no game film on Fant playing at tackle, he impressed the Seahawks enough in his workout that they signed him as a priority UDFA at a position he’d never played before.

With little experience and little time to develop, Fant was thrown into the fire early on, starting 10 out of 14 appearances during his rookie campaign.