Though it seems odd to imagine so many years later, Indianapolis Colts’ tight end Mo Alie-Cox was almost a defensive end. Back in 2017, the VCU basketball star was trying to make the transition to football despite not having played since his freshman year in high school. But his size and athleticism screamed football, even to VCU’s basketball coach, Shaka Smart.
“All you had to do was look at his body…” Smart said.
Alie-Cox worked out for scouts from most of the teams in the NFL at the time. They were all looking for the next Jimmy Graham or Antonio Gates, college basketball players who had developed into standout tight ends.