Sioux Center, Iowa — Former Minnesota tight end Ko Kieft, of Sioux Center, could be a late round NFL Draft choice this weekend.
Kieft created a name for himself with his ability to run block for a Minnesota team that was one of the top rushing squads in the country in each of the past two years.
He has turned heads to the NFL scouts because of his dominating run blocking from the tight end position, with one scouting service labeling him the top run-blocking tight end in the nation last season. Kieft had 12 career receptions, including two touchdowns with the Golden Gophers. One of those TDs came against Iowa last year in Iowa City.
If he doesn’t get drafted this weekend, Kieft will certainly get a shot with an NFL team as a free agent signing. Since the end of the 2021 football season, Kieft has been working out in Minneapolis in preparation for his shot in pro football.
Kieft says his toughness is the result of his upbringing.
Kieft says he visited Sioux Center a couple of months ago.
Kieft says wrestling in high school helped him become a better football player.
