12 May 2014, 06:05
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Austin Seferian-Jenkins drafted by Buccaneers

Austin Seferian-Jenkins has the opportunity to be the most notable Armenian to ever play in the National Football League when he begins his career later this September.

The first chapter of his career begins in Tampa Bay.

The Washington tight end was drafted with the No. 38 overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers on Friday.

Seferian-Jenkins, who was born to an Armenian mother (Linda Seferian), is described as a tight end with game-changing ability.

Seferian-Jenkins, who joins Jeff Tarpinian of the Houston Texans and Trent Edwards of the Oakland Raiders as Armenians currently playing in the NFL, spoke to the media shortly after he was drafted on May 9.

“I was just in shock, I couldn’t believe it. I was just so excited and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m just so blessed and happy. With everything that I’ve been through, my family here with me, the people that couldn’t be here, couldn’t make it through life or whatever, I made it to this point and there’s still a lot more work to do, there’s a lot more to achieve and there’s a lot more room to improve. I got to a place where I wanted to be in and now it’s time to get to the next level and bringing my game to the next level and helping bring this organization get to the next level.”

In his three years playing at Washington, Seferian-Jenkins established a reputation for his elite blocking ability and strong receiving prowess and 2013 was another outstanding year for him.

The junior recorded 33 receptions for 413 yards and seven touchdowns while leading Washington to the Fight Hunger Bowl.

HIGHLIGHT VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPZ5ZDWEADo

In addition to winning the Mackey Award, Seferian-Jenkins was named a Preseason First-Team All American by Athlon, Lindy’s, The Sporting News, SI.com, National Football Post, SB Nation and Phil Steele.

He has also earned Second-Team All Pac-12 honors. Seferian-Jenkins has totaled 143 receptions, 1,801 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his college career making him the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns by a Washington tight end.

Here are some of the records he set at the University of Washington:

• Career Receptions by a Tight End: 110
• Career Receiving Yards by a Tight End: 1,388
• Career Touchdown Receptions by a Tight End: 13
• Single-Season Receptions by a Tight End: 69 (2012)
• Single-Season Receiving Yards by a Tight End: 850 (2012)

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