Seahawks Sign Former Marquette Track Star Mitch Van Vooren

Formerly a track star at Marquette, Mitch Van Vooren transferred to Division III St. Norbert College to play football for two seasons and now will join the Seattle Seahawks.

Making a pair of moves prior to their fifth OTA practice on Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks announced the signing of undrafted rookie tight end Mitch Van Vooren to the 90-man roster. In a corresponding move, undrafted receiver Nate McCollum was waived.

One of the best stories from this year’s draft class, the 6-5, 242-pound Van Vooren originally began his collegiate athletics career as a track and field as a hurdler at in-state Division I program Marquette, where he earned All-Big East honors. He transferred to St. Norbert College, a Division III program in Wisconsin, after four years with the Eagles pursuing an opportunity on the gridiron, playing in 22 games over two seasons with 65 catches, 1,045 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns.

At his pro day workout, Van Vooren posted solid testing numbers with a 4.7 40-yard dash and 9-foot, 11-inch broad jump, notching a respectable 7.44 Relative Athletic Score. Going undrafted, he participated in the Browns rookie minicamp last month as a tryout player, ultimately not receiving a contract from the team.

Joining the Seahawks, Van Vooren practiced for the first time in Wednesday’s fifth OTA practice and will push for snaps as a move tight end and on special teams, while it’s also possible the coaching staff could give him a look at the fullback position where they currently have fifth-round pick Robbie Ouzts and veteran Brady Russell set to compete in Klint Kubiak’s offense.

Seattle signed McCollum, who played collegiately at North Carolina, last month before the start of OTAs for a look at receiver and as a return specialist.