Six years ago, Hayden Hurst was taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 17th round in the MLB Draft, but never got a real chance. Now, he has a chance again as the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Hurst's career at South Carolina started in 2015 after walking on to earn a spot, playing in all 12 games his freshman season. After starting one game, making eight total catches for 106 yards during his first year, Hurst was named one of the four permanent captains for his sophomore season. Hurst continued to impress once again, setting South Carolina's single-season record for catches by a tight end with 48.
Hurst's junior year would be one to remember, as he started the season 24 years old, many knew he was ready to pursue NFL dreams. By the end of the season, Hurst, who was once again named a captain, Hurst broke the school record for receptions by a tight end. He also was named First Team All-SEC and was a semifinalist for both the Mackey Award, for the nation's best tight end, and the Burlsworth Trophy, for the nation's top walk-on.
Prior to the draft, Hurst was projected to be the first tight end to be taken in the draft and be a first-round pick. Now, he'll finish the transition from minor league baseball, to Saturdays in South Carolina, to Sundays in Baltimore.