Moncrief Is Drafted 90th To The Colts

OXFORD, Miss. (Ole Miss Athletics) – Donte Moncrief’s professional football dream has become a reality.

On Friday, the former Ole Miss wide receiver was selected in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts as the 90th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

A popular player among the Rebel faithful (his star power soared with the “Feed Moncrief” mantra), he was one of the most accomplished receivers in school history despite turning pro after only three seasons.

The 6-foot-3, 226-pounder from Raleigh, Mississippi finished his Ole Miss career ranked third in school history in receptions (156), receiving yards (2,371) and receiving touchdowns (20) and second in 100-yard receiving games (9). He was in the starting lineup for 37 of 38 career games. Among his most memorable moments:

• Seven catches for 173 yards and a school record-tying three scores in an Egg Bowl win over Mississippi State in 2012
• Six catches for 113 yards and a TD in the 2013 Music City Bowl vs. Georgia Tech
• Six catches for 161 yards and two TDs at LSU in 2012
• Caught seven passes for 144 yards and a 75-yard score against Texas in 2012
• Six catches, 122 yards and two TDs against eventual national runner-up Auburn in 2013
• Caught five passes for 73 yards and two TDs vs. Arkansas as a freshman in 2011

“I am so excited to see our rich tradition of NFL Rebels continue with Donte,” head coach Hugh Freeze said. “With this hard work and dedication, I expect him to join fellow Ole Miss greats Mike Wallace and Dexter McCluster as successful receivers at the next level. I appreciate the commitment and leadership Donte provided our program in helping lead us to back-to-back bowl wins, and I can’t wait to watch him excel for the Colts.”

Moncrief is the highest-drafted Rebel since John Jerry was selected 73rd overall in the third round by Miami in 2010.

Ole Miss has a rich tradition of producing NFL talent. including 280 draft picks and 19 first-round selections. Last year, there were 23 Rebels in the league, with three Pro Bowlers, two All-Pro selections, 13 full-time starters and several more who made appearances in their teams’ starting lineups.