INDIANAPOLIS — As the nameplates were being swapped out for the next round of interviews, media members attending the NFL combine rushed to the monitor to see who was next.
As I stood back to wait my turn, I heard a familiar name being asked about where his interview would take place.
“Where is Tank Dell’s interview going to be,” asked a journalist standing behind the crowd.
It is not unusual for individuals to flock around Dell to listen to what he says. The wide receiver, whose real name is Nathaniel, has a unique way of drawing a crowd on and off the field. Even though he is listed at 5-foot-8, Tank believes that his size won’t be a factor in the NFL.
“I don’t feel like it would affect me at all,” said Dell when asked about his stature. “I have been playing football since I was five years old, and I always played against bigger dudes. Of course, I am going to have to adapt (NFL), but I am going to pick up where I left off from college. I feel like I can make plays against anybody, so I am going to be ready.”
Things haven’t come very easy for Dell along his football journey. He played in four games at Alabama A&M University in 2018 before redshirting. The following season he enrolled for one year at Independence College in Kansas before eventually finding his way to the Houston campus in 2020.
During his three years at the University of Houston, Dell amassed 3,155 yards receiving, 228 receptions, and 32 touchdowns. In his final season at UH, he led the nation in receiving yards (1,398) and touchdowns (17) and was second in receptions (109). He was also selected First Team American Athletic Conference in back-to-back seasons (2021, 2022).
“Every time I step on the field, I feel like I with two chips on both shoulders,” Dell responded when asked about his production. “Every time I step on the field, I feel like I have a point to prove.”
“I love Houston, I feel like it would go well if I went there,” said UH wide receiver Tank Dell about being drafted by the Houston Texans. #Sarge #Texans #UH @TheTexansWire @HoustonTexans @UHCougarFB @UHouston @Tankdell4 pic.twitter.com/XRxRP9CXpN
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) March 3, 2023
Projected as a late mid-to-late third-day draft pick, Dell is well aware of the need for wide receiver depth the Houston Texans are looking to fill.
“I would love to,” said Dell about being a part of the Houston Texans rebuild. “I love Houston. I feel like it would go well if I went there. If they come to get me, it would be a blessing. I am a Florida boy, but I am also a Houstonian. I feel like I have been out there my whole life. So, it would be great just to get out there and help that rebuild.”
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