Gopher Football
Tapeh is the 13th Gopher to be selected in the NFL Draft since Glen Mason became head coach in 1997. This also marks the sixth time in the past seven seasons under Mason that the Gophers have had a player selected in the NFL Draft. Former Gopher cornerback Michael Lehan was also a fifth round selection in last season’s NFL Draft.
After having a successful career at Minnesota, Tapeh is anxious to see what will transpire in Philadelphia.
“I feel really blessed,” Tapeh said. “It was a long, long journey. A long wait ““ but all good things come to an end. I am done at the “˜U’ now, and I want to thank Minnesota for everything. I want to thank Coach Mason and the staff and everybody. Now it is time to move on and I am looking forward to that. I am looking forward to my next experience.”
Tapeh becomes the first Gopher running back drafted since Thomas Hamner was also chosen by Philadelphia as the 171st overall selection in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. That was the last time the Eagles drafted a Minnesota player.
Tapeh finished his career at Minnesota ranked 12th on the school’s all-time rushing chart with 1,958 yards and is tied with Marion Barber III for fourth on the school’s all-time rushing touchdown list with 24. He is also tied for fifth all-time in season rushing touchdowns with 11, which he accomplished in 2003.
Gopher tight end Ben Utecht (Hastings, Minn. / Hastings HS) and free safety Eli Ward (Akron, Ohio / Garfield HS) inked free agent deals with the Indianapolis Colts at the conclusion of the draft.
Utecht was an All-Big Ten performer last season and owns the Minnesota career record for receiving yards by a tight end (1,211). He also ranks 10th on the Gophers’ all-time receptions list with 83 career catches. Ward led the Gophers in tackles the past two seasons and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection last year. Ward was also the recipient of the team’s Carl Eller Award, given to the team’s most outstanding defensive player, the past two seasons.
Utecht’s draft status was uncertain heading into the draft due to a sports hernia injury suffered at the end of the 2003 season.
“This was one of the toughest weekends of my life,” Utecht said, “but it may be a blessing in disguise that I am going to the Colts since I have a personal relationship with (head coach) Tony Dungy.”
“œHe (Utecht) may not play this year because he may need surgery,” Colts President Bill Polian said, “œbut in our view, we’re getting a first-day player.”
MINNESOTA DRAFT SELECTIONS & FREE AGENTS
Player (Pos.) NFL Team How Acquired (Overall Pick)
Thomas Tapeh (FB) Philadelphia Eagles 5th Round ““ 30th pick (162)
Ben Utecht (TE) Indianapolis Colts Free Agent
Eli Ward (FS) Indianapolis Colts Free Agent