Since 2012, the Hilltoppers have now sent five tight ends into NFL camps including Deane this year: Jack Doyle (2009-12), Tyler Higbee (2011-15), Deon Yelder (2015-17), Deane and the late Mitchell Henry (2011-14). Five of the last six former WKU tight ends to start at least seven career games have gone on to an NFL camp.
“It will be a blessing to make my imprint on WKU (as a tight end to make it to the NFL),” Deane said following his Pro Day workout in March. “When I first got here from junior college, I analyzed (Yelder’s) game and saw what he did.