The 15 Duke basketball stars who could have starred in football
By Matt Giles
7. player. 434. Shane Battier. 6-8, 220. TIGHT END. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Duke basketball stars who could’ve starred in football: TE Shane Battier
Not the fastest. Doesn’t jump the highest. Wouldn’t win the weightlifting contest. However, aside from the fact that Shane Battier did not reign supreme over his peers in any one measurement of athleticism, the power forward was pretty much perfect, graduating as a national champ and placing his No. 31 among Duke’s retired ones.
Obvious in his magical defensive play in the 2001 title game, Battier is insanely crafty at using the tools he does have in his box. Plus, he’d probably be brainy enough to figure out how to excel anywhere on the football field. Which position would’ve been the best fit? Well, we know from his penchant for drawing charges that he’s willing to sacrifice his body by standing in the way of full-steam-ahead athletes; also, he seemed to enjoy the art of getting open on offense. A uniquely talented tight end sounds about right.