Ad Disclosure
Zach Gentry on NFL decision: ‘I felt like I was mature enough to handle the transition’
Published:
When the 2018 season came to an end, Zach Gentry was forced to make a decision: return to Michigan for one final season or declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Gentry chose the latter of the two options and is now in Indianapolis this week for the NFL Combine. While some have questioned his decision — saying he would’ve benefitted from another year in Ann Arbor — the tight end is confident in his ability to perform at the next level.
He also believes that his maturity prepared him to pursue his dream to play in the NFL.
“I felt like I was personally mature enough, physically and mentally to handle the transition,” Gentry said during combine interviews. “It was a tough decision, obviously.”
Gentry played in all 13 games for the Wolverines last season, totaling 32 receptions for 514 yards and two touchdowns. In 2017, he had 17 receptions for 303 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
At 6-foot-8, 250 pounds, Gentry has excellent size at tight end. But he says his athleticism is what could be a huge benefit for NFL teams.
“I’m big, athletic, I think I move a lot better than people give me credit for,” Gentry said. “I think I’ll be able to stretch the defense vertically.”
Like almost everyone in attendance at the combine, Gentry said his goal to reach the NFL is been a dream for his entire life.
“I think it’s back as long as I can remember.” Gentry said. “I had to be five or six years old when I first started to throw a football.”
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB