Iowa Tight Ends in NFL: Sam LaPorta Continues Iowa State’s Legacy After Getting Drafted by the Lions

Iowa State just knows how to produce superstar Tight Ends. While names like T.J Hockerson and George Kittle are already dominating the competition, Sam LaPorta  is now set to continue Iowa State’s legacy. The 6ft 3in tall talented TE has been roped in by the Lions. Detroit used their third pick in the second round of the ongoing 2023 draft to get their hands on him.

Sam getting roped in early on Day 2 doesn’t really come as a surprise. With 58 catches for 687 yards for the Hawkeyes in his college career, Sam emerged as the go-to man for Iowa’s team in the last few years.

Sam LaPorta is carrying Iowa’s legacy forward

Over the years, Iowa has produced top quality Tight Ends. Dallas Clark, Tony Moeaki, Scott Chandler, Brandon Myers, Scott Slutzker, Marv Cook, Allen Reisner, Jim Gibbons, Erik Jensen, Tony Jackson, and Brad Herman are among them. Does Sam have the potential to rise as one of the greats? Well, his Combine Stats do support this notion.

Sam had completed his 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds. Moreover, with a 35″ vertical jump and 10’30” broad allowed him to earn a 9.02 Relative Athletic Score at the Combine this year. The 2022 Kwalick-Clark Tight End of The Year was quick to realize his potential as a footballer.

4.59 (unofficial) 💨💨💨 @Samlaporta

📺 #NFLCombine March 2-5 on @nflnetwork
#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/QngePe1VaT

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) March 4, 2023

Before making a name for himself at the college level, LaPorta played WR and DB at the Highland High School. He had 3793 receiving yards and as many as 50 touchdowns to his name. Needless to say, he was destined to shine at the college level. And if we go by his college stats, he might even take the NFL by storm.