TE Dan Gronkowski

I had a great conversation today with Williamsville North product Dan Gronkowski, a tight end from Maryland who’s here at the NFL Draft combine.  Gronkowski arrived at Maryland five years ago as a quarterback, was quickly converted to tight end, and hasn’t looked back yet.

Gronkowski backed up some NFL quality tight ends with the Terps, Vernon Davis and Joey Haynos in his first few years.  He came into his own last year, with 29 catches, three of them for touchdowns.  He’s a high achiever in the classroom as well, a finalist for National Academic All American Honors.  Gronkowski already has his undergraduate degree, and he’s been working on his MBA at Maryland for the last few years.

He told us today he had a great meeting last night with the Bills scouts and coaches here in Indy.  And he’d love to play for his hometown team, telling us today his vivid memories of the Bills glorious Super Bowl run in the early ’90s. 

He also acknowledges that this combine is critical to his NFL chances.  Gronkowski thinks he could be anywhere from a 3rd round pick to a free agent this year, so he needs to test well today in timing and strength sessions.  But he appears ready, and eager to show well.

It’s a good story, especially since Gronkowski is number two in a line of 5 Gronkowski brothers from Williamsville. His oldest brother plays professional baseball, and his younger brothers, Chris and Rob, play football at the University of Arizona.

His football achievement and academic success are a credit to his parents, Godry and Diane Gronkowski.