Image courtesy Denver Broncos via Twitter.
CHICAGO — The reigning Super Bowl champions added a former Ute to their ranks Saturday during the NFL Draft, taking Devontae Booker in the fourth round.
Booker was the 38th selection in the fourth round and went 136th overall in the draft, according to a press release from the U of U football program.
The running back joins former Ute Sam Brenner, who is currently a center on the Denver Broncos’ current roster.
Booker is the fourth Ute to make the trip over the Rockies to Denver. Zane Beadles went to the Broncos in the second round in 2010, Mike Anderson was picked in the sixth round in 2000, and John Huddleston was taken in the 16th round in 1976.
According to the Denver Bronco’s website, Booker is a two-time All-Pac 12 selection who rushed for 2,773 yards and 21 touchdowns in 23 career games for the U of U. Booker joins C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman in the Broncos’ backfield.
John Elway–Executive VP of Football Operations, former Denver Broncos quarterback and back-to-back Super Bowl champion–tweeted that Booker is “One of the highest rated RBs on our board. Physical, versatile & has great ball skills.”
Kyle Whittingham, Utah’s head coach, also congratulated Booker online, saying he looks forward to watching him play on Sundays.
Several Utah affiliated Twitter accounts sent out congratulations, and the Broncos’ official account also sent out a welcoming message.
