Spartan WR Keith Mumphery Headed to the Houston Texans after being Picked in the 5th Round of the NFL Draft

Congratulations are in order for Spartan WR Keith Mumphery who was chosen in the 5th round of the NFL draft today. Here is what Michigan State sent out about

Congratulations are in order for Spartan WR Keith Mumphery who was chosen in the 5th round of the NFL draft today. Here is what Michigan State sent out about the selection:

2015 NFL Draft Update: Mumphery Selected By Houston In Fifth Round

A four-year letterman, Keith Mumphery had 88 career receptions for 1,348 yards (15.3 avg.) and seven TDs.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State fifth-year senior wide receiver Keith Mumphery has been selected by the Houston Texans in the fifth round (No. 175 overall) of the 2015 National Football League Draft on Saturday, May 2. Mumphery becomes the fifth Spartan wide receiver to be drafted in Mark Dantonio’s first eight seasons as head coach, joining Devin Thomas (2008: Washington Redskins – second round), Keshawn Martin (2012: Houston Texans – fourth round), B.J. Cunningham (2012: Miami Dolphins – sixth round) and Tony Lippett (2015: Miami Dolphins – fifth round).

The 6-1, 211-pound Mumphery started 11 of 13 games in 2014 and finished second on the team in receiving yards (495) and tied for fourth in receptions (26). His 19.0 yards per catch led the team and ranked among the Big Ten (third) and NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision leaders (16th). His 140 yards after the catch (YAC) ranked third on the team. Mumphery caught at least one pass in 12 of 13 games. He also rushed six times for 85 yards (14.2 avg.) and accounted for four touchdowns (three receiving TDs and one rushing TD).

“Keith Mumphery was an extremely productive wideout, who really came on strong down the stretch and developed the knack for delivering big plays,” Dantonio said. “Keith emerged as a vertical threat and picked up a lot of yards after the catch. He’s an intelligent football player with a tremendous work ethic. Keith also has outstanding speed and strength.”

In his final game in a Spartan uniform, Mumphery had four catches for a career-high 87 yards, including the game-winning TD grab (10 yards) from Connor Cook with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter that capped MSU’s 20-point rally against Baylor. His 50-yard reception early in the fourth quarter helped spark the comeback and set up a score. Mumphery was one of three players presented a game ball by head coach Mark Dantonio following the second-biggest comeback in Cotton Bowl Classic history.

He caught three passes for 46 yards in the regular-season finale at Penn State. Mumphery earned Spartan Offensive Player of the Week honors in back-to-back games at Maryland (two catches for 78 yards, including a season-long 62-yard grab) and against Rutgers (season-high four receptions for 61 yards) on Senior Day. He hauled in three passes for 72 yards, including a 10-yard TD catch, against No. 14 Ohio State. Mumphery accounted for 52 all-purpose yards and two scores against Wyoming (6-yard TD reception; three carries for 46 yards, including a 33-yard TD run).

A four-year letterman, Mumphery had 88 receptions for 1,348 yards (15.3 avg.) and seven TDs in 54 career games, including 26 starts. The Vienna, Georgia, native also rushed 14 times for 125 yards (8.9 avg.) and one score.

Mumphery said of his being drafted:

“It was overwhelming to receive the phone call. When my cell ran, I quickly looked up at the TV and saw Houston had the next pick, and it’s at that point that I realized I’m being drafted. I’m at a loss for words, but this is such a blessing.

“It’s been a special afternoon, sharing this experience with my family and friends. I had to overcome a lot of obstacles to play at Michigan State, and now, I’ve accomplished another goal: to have the opportunity to play in the NFL.

“Houston’s front office was impressed by my character and leadership skills. I believe that I’ll have an opportunity to have an immediate impact on special teams.

“I cherish all of the relationships I built at Michigan State, and I enjoyed having opportunities to give back to the campus and local communities. I was fortunate to come in with a great 2010 recruiting class, and it’s been exciting to watch us do our thing. We’ve helped Coach D (Dantonio) and his coaching staff build Michigan State into an elite program.”