**Carolina Panthers Sign Former Basketball Player Colin Granger as Tight End**
The Carolina Panthers have announced an exciting new addition to their training camp roster. Colin Granger, a former Division 1 basketball player who played for Ohio University, Western Carolina, and Coastal Carolina, is set to transition to the NFL as a tight end. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 245 pounds, Granger has signed with the Panthers after being five years removed from high school, allowing him to join the team as a free agent.
During his college basketball career, Granger played as a center, showcasing his skills over two seasons at Ohio University, followed by two seasons at Western Carolina, and concluding at Coastal Carolina. He achieved a shooting percentage of 52.3% from the field and accumulated a total of 322 rebounds across the three programs, with 137 of those rebounds coming during his time at Coastal Carolina.
The Panthers’ coaching staff, including head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, have a history of successfully converting former basketball players into NFL talent. Notably, they previously transformed George Fant, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound athlete who played basketball at Western Kentucky, into a hybrid offensive tackle and tight end. Fant enjoyed a successful seven-season career in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and Houston Texans. Reports indicate that Fant has been mentoring Granger to help him prepare for this significant transition, having recommended him to the Panthers.
However, it’s important to note that Granger has not played football since the eighth grade, making his transition to the NFL a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, the tight end position has seen numerous successful conversions from basketball, with notable examples including Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, and Tony Gonzalez, all of whom excelled in the NFL after their basketball careers.
As Granger joins the Panthers for training camp, he will be competing against a talented group of tight ends, including Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders. The upcoming training camp promises to be an intriguing opportunity for Granger as he embarks on this new chapter in his athletic career.
**FAQ**
**Q: What position is Colin Granger transitioning to with the Carolina Panthers?**
A: Colin Granger is transitioning to the position of tight end after previously playing Division 1 basketball.
