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Rob Housler Drafted By Arizona Cardinals
4/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 29, 2011
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BOCA RATON, FL - Former Florida Atlantic University tight end Rob Housler's "team-first attitude" paid off Friday night when the Converse, TX native was selected in the third round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Housler, the 69th pick over all and the fifth of the third round joins Rusty Smith, who was FAU's first NFL draftee in 2010, as the program's first two players selected in the NFL Draft. Smith was taken in the sixth round by the Tennessee Titans in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Housler made the unconventional choice to redshirt his senior season, sitting out the 2009 season. He returned to the field for the 2010 campaign, and finished second on the team in receptions (49), receiving yards (629) and receiving touchdowns (four). His best two games of the 2010 season were against teams from his home state (Texas). Housler had four catches for a career high 94 yards and a touchdown against North Texas, and two touchdown catches against the University of Texas.
"I'm really thrilled for Rob," said FAU Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger. "As I have said in the past, Rob may be the most talented tight end that I have coached. He made the unselfish decision to sit out his senior year in order for FAU to have a better tight end situation in 2010. His unselfishness paid off with more experience, more time to develop and thus a better opportunity in this year's draft."
Housler accumulated several honors in 2010 including being named the national tight end of the week by College Football Performance following his performance versus the University of Texas. He received honorable mention recognition following the Michigan State game. Following the conclusion of his senior campaign Housler was named second team All-Sun Belt by the league coaches and media representatives. He is the fourth FAU tight end to earn 1,000+ yards during his FAU career. Housler and Jeff Van Camp played in the Texas versus the Nation All-Star Game, Housler for Texas, Van Camp for the Nation.
The all-star game along with an outstanding NFL Combine, were major contributors to Housler's draft slot. The selection was the highest of any Sun Belt Conference player taken in the 2011 draft and he was the third tight end taken in this year's draft. Housler ran the fastest 40 (4.55 seconds) among all tight ends at the Indianapolis NFL scouting combine.
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