David Durden Explained

David Durden
Current Team:Dallas Cowboys
Number:85
Position:Wide receiver
Birth Date:26 December 1998
Birth Place:Twin City, Georgia, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lb:200
High School:Emanuel County Institute
(Twin City, Georgia)
College:Mercer (2018–2019)
West Florida (2020–2022)
Undraftedyear:2023
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
  • 2× First-team All-GSC (2021, 2022)
  • First-team All-SoCon (2019)
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Receptions
Statlabel2:Receiving yards
Statlabel3:Receiving touchdowns
Pfr:DurdDa01

David Durden (born December 26, 1998) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Mercer before transferring to West Florida. He also played minor league baseball in the Boston Red Sox organization.

Early life and baseball career

Durden grew up in Midville, Georgia and attended the Emanuel County Institute. He committed to play college football at Mercer.[1]

Durden was selected in the 20th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft by the Boston Red Sox.[2] He signed with the team and received a $125,000 bonus to forgo his commitment to Mercer.[3] Durden was assigned to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox and batted .220 in 91 at-bats. After the season, he retired from baseball in order to pursue playing college football.[4]

College career

Durden enrolled at Mercer prior to the beginning of the 2018 season.[5] He caught 18 passes for 407 yards with five touchdowns as a freshman.[6] Durden had 45 receptions for 647 yards and four touchdowns and returned 29 kickoffs for 750 yards during his sophomore season and was named first-team All-Southern Conference as a returner.

Durden transferred to West Florida after his sophomore year.[7] Durden's first season at West Florida was canceled due to Covid-19.[8] Durden was named first-team All-Gulf South Conference (GSC) after catching 34 passes for 787 yards and 10 touchdowns.[9] Durden repeated as a first-team All-GSC selection as a senior after recording 54 receptions for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns.[10]

Professional career

Durden was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2023, shortly after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL draft.[11] [12] Durden suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament on August 23,[13] and was placed on injured reserve on August 29, causing him to miss the entirety of the season.[14]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mercer continues to build with another strong class. The Telegraph. February 1, 2017. April 13, 2023.
  2. Web site: Stanley . Chris . 2018-05-20 . ECI stud Durden taken by Red Sox in 20th round . 2024-07-16 . Statesboro Herald.
  3. Web site: David Durden Stats & Scouting Report. Baseball America. April 13, 2023.
  4. Web site: UWF football standout David Durden starring for Argos after long journey. Pensacola News Journal. September 18, 2021. April 13, 2023.
  5. Web site: Mercer's Durden brings pro baseball experience to his freshman year. Cam. Gaskins. WGXA.com. September 22, 2018. April 13, 2023.
  6. Web site: Don’t count them out: 5 Mercer Football players to watch this season. The Telegraph. July 17, 2019. April 13, 2023.
  7. Web site: UWF football signs David Durden, former Mercer WR and Red Sox minor leaguer. Pensacola News Journal. May 14, 2020. April 13, 2023.
  8. Web site: 2023 NFL Draft Small-School Prospect To Watch: West Florida WR David Durden. Tony. Pauline. ProFootballNetwork.com. October 21, 2022. April 13, 2023.
  9. Web site: Broncos host UWF WR David Durden on pre-draft visit. Jon. Heath. Broncos Wire. USA Today. April 7, 2023. April 13, 2023.
  10. Web site: Perry's Prototypical Pats: Explosive WRs available to upgrade Mac's options. Phil. Perry. NBC Sports Boston. April 6, 2023. April 13, 2023.
  11. News: LIVE: Tracking the UDFA's Being Linked to Dallas. dallascowboys.com. April 29, 2023.
  12. Web site: NFL: Copeland signs with Tennessee Titans, Durden joins Dallas Cowboys. Pensacola News Journal. April 30, 2023. April 30, 2023.
  13. Web site: Grieco . Ben . Dallas Cowboys rookie, former UWF receiver David Durden tears ACL . pnj.com . 2023-08-26 . 2024-07-16.
  14. Web site: Cowboys announce 36 roster moves ahead of regular season. Harris, Nick. DallasCowboys.com. August 29, 2023.