Where did George Kittle go to college? Revisiting 49ers TE's pre-NFL career

George Kittle returned to the Super Bowl in February for his second appearance in four years after making his first Big Game. Unfortunately, he and the San Francisco 49ers fell short against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the same team that had denied them the title in 2020.

Kittle is still among the league's top tight ends and a vital part of the 49ers' potent attack, even after losing two Super Bowls. During the 2023 NFL season, he was selected for his fifth career Pro Bowl and second first team All-Pro nod.

Kittle is a valuable run-blocker, a skill he acquired during his college football career, apart from making catches and scoring touchdowns. In fact, his ability as a blocker might be the main factor in his and his team's future success.

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Exploring George Kittle's college football career

George Kittle was a collegiate football player for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes from 2013 until 2016.

He played six games between his freshman and sophomore seasons, although he only got one single start. His combined receiving total in his first two college seasons was just six catches for 133 yards.

Kittle didn't become a full-time starter until his senior year of college in 2016. That season, he played 11 games, starting all, and set career highs in receiving yards (314) and catches (22). He also added four additional touchdown catches.

Kittle didn't excel as a receiver in his four years playing collegiate football despite his current efficiency in the NFL. He caught 48 passes for 737 yards total and 10 touchdowns with the Hawkeyes. The bulk of his numbers came in his junior and senior years after scarcely starting in his freshman and sophomore seasons.

When he was with the Hawkeyes, the team's record was 35-8. Their most successful season during that span was a 12-2 season in 2015, when they took home the Big Ten West title.

George Kittle never had a losing season at Iowa but also never had a winning bowl season, as the squad went winless in four bowl games they played between 2013 and 2016.

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What was George Kittle's NFL draft position?

Scouts and NFL pundits projected George Kittle as a third- or fourth-round selection before the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the tight end was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 146th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2017 draft.

Kittle has participated in two Super Bowl games and has enjoyed a prosperous NFL career. Moreover, he has received other major honors, like first- and second-team All-Pro selections, and is a five-time Pro Bowler.