BYU running back Tyler Allgeier has been selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 151st pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
The California native started as a preferred walk-on at BYU, eventually becoming an All-American. During his final season — and his lone year starting — Allgeier broke BYU’s single-season record with 23 rushing touchdowns.
“It was full of emotions [when I was drafted],” Allgeier said in a press conference after he was drafted. “Like a roller coaster low key, just seeing what is actually going to happen. Nothing is your control right now... I’ve been slept on almost my whole life.”
Allgeier rushed for 1,601 yards last year as BYU earned its second straight 10-win season. He became a team captain and headlined the Cougars’ draft class.
Over four years, the senior appeared in 41 games, but not all were at running back. When he first got to campus, Allgeier struggled to crack the offensive rotation. By his sophomore season, the coaching staff briefly moved him to linebacker.
Eventually, Allgeier was moved back to the running back spot and earned the full-time starting role in the summer of 2021.
“It is huge for anyone that’s trying to make it to the NFL [to play multiple positions],” BYU running backs coach Harvey Unga said. “The more you can do, that is the name of the game for a lot of guys. ... He was one of the leaders in every unit. The NFL is always looking for those types of guys.”
Allgeier was the only BYU player to be drafted this season. Starters James Empey, Samson Nacua and Neil Pau’u signed free agent contracts after the draft.
“The Falcons are getting a fantastic football player and an incredibly humble and hardworking teammate,” head coach Kalani Sitake said in a news release. “... He is the kind of person who will always succeed and improve. I am excited for Tyler. I look forward to following his NFL career.”
Read more:
• Gordon Monson: Tyler Allgeier is without peer, BYU’s player of the year
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