Tysson Poots NFL Draft Profile --- December 27, 2010

The FCS All-American accolades continued last week as Southern Utah wide receiver Tysson Poots (6-3/220) earned first-team selections from the four major awarding associations -- the Associated Press, the Walter Camp Foundation, National Football Coaches Association, and The Sports Network.

In 2010, the Henderson, Nevada native hauled in 85 catches for 1,230 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Over his four-year career, Poots tallied 285 receptions for 3,960 yards and 43 touchdowns. He ended his career on many of the all-time FCS receiving lists.

With his time at Southern Utah's football program over, the former Thunderbirds star now hopes to make the jump to the pro game.

"I am in the process of pursuing a professional career," Poots said via email. "Any opportunity I get will be great and I will take full advantage of it. Being a professional football player has always been a dream of mine and I hope to get the chance to play."

One of Poots' greatest strengths, his ability to win the ball in the air, developed partly from his love of rebounding why playing basketball and partly from his competitive nature.

"I enjoy fighting for the ball in the air," Poots said. "I really see that part of my game as determination and heart. I have always been competitive and when I see the ball in the air, I want it."

Throughout his career, the Thunderbirds wide receiver showcased his ability to dominate his opponents which is yet another prerequisite for FCS players looking to make the move to the professional game.

In the final four games of 2010, he finished with 26 receptions for 400 yards and five scores.

"My teammates and coaches really believed in me and put a lot on my shoulders to get the job done; I took advantage of my opportunities," Poots said.

The Thunderbirds captured the 2010 Great West Conference title but were unable to parlay this championship into a FCS playoff birth.

"I would have loved to make it to the playoffs and I believe our team would have made some noise, but it was a good ending and it put a cap on a great and fun career."