With the 34th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft the Indianapolis Colts chose Coby Fleener, a tight end out of Stanford. Leading up to the draft, Fleener was named the top tight end prospect of 2012 and his position in the draft solidified his worth, as he was the first tight end to be drafted.
Tight end has become much more of a glamour position in the last couple of years, as the emphasis on tight ends in the receiving game has increased, from New England to New Olreans to San Francisco.
“The guys that played in the NFL this year, the Jimmy Grahams and the Gronkowskis of the world, have really done our class of tight ends a favor,” Fleener said. “I can’t say enough about the guys that have already played, and I hope to one day go play just like that.”
Fleener was also lucky, pun intended, to slide into the top of the second round where he was reunited with his quarterback at Stanford, Andrew Luck who was selected first overall by the Colts.
In his senior season, Fleener caught 34 balls for 667 yards and 10 touchdowns from Luck, and the two seem to have great chemistry as they try to reshape the Colts offense. Fleener is a big target, standing 6-foot-6, 247 pounds, and should continue to be a go-to receiver for Luck, particularly in the red zone.
Melissa Mahler, Pro Player Insiders reporter, caught up with Fleener at the 2012 NFLPA Rookie Premier, where he talked about making the adjustment to playing in the pros, as well as what he does off the field.
Pro Player Insiders: What are some differences between playing in college and in the pros?
Coby Fleener: The transition is going to be learning the offense and understanding what the guys around me are doing on a specific play. Once I get done with school it will be all go ahead.
PPI: Obviously there is a lot of talk about you and (Andrew) Luck being reunited to play. Is it something you expected or how do you feel about that?
CF: It was definitely not something that I expected, but something that I’m extremely excited about. I couldn’t be happier to be back on a team with him and I think we’ll enjoy our time out in Indy.
PPI: Having that past experience and chemistry between you two and the game, what type of advantage to you think that will have as the Colts are rebuilding?
CF: I think it’s like having a few more practices under our belt, but at the same time it’s a head start and we have to do a lot more work to make sure we’re ready for the season.
PPI: Outside of football, what are some things you do to have fun?
CF: I like to sign autographs, thousands and thousands at a time, sit around and get photographed for EA Sports video games and receive a few pieces of complementary clothing from companies.
PPI: As far as things you do to totally relax, give us a couple of those.
CF: I’m a hang out and watch a movie kind of guy, hang out with the guys back at home. I’m not big on the club scene or anything like that, so when I do actually get some time off I like to rest and recover.
PPI: When you work out, what are a couple songs on your iPad?
CF: I’m a country guy most recently, so Zac Brown Band has been at the top of the list. I kind of run the gamut when it comes to genres, so anything and everything sounds good to me.
Written By Jordyn Barnes, Interview by Melissa Mahler
