BOISE, Idaho — Former Boise State tight end John Bates going to get a chance to perform at college football's biggest postseason showcase game, according a source.
Bates was invited to attended the Reese's Senior Bowl on Friday, an achievement that only 13 other Broncos have been able to claim since 2002.
How significant is this honor when is comes to Bates' NFL Draft prospectus?
Of the previous 13 Boise State football alumni to play in the Senior Bowl, 12 went on to get drafted with the only exception being Kellen Moore, the winningest quarterback in college football history, in 2012.
Bates just wrapped up an impressive run at Boise State. He finished his career with 47 catches for 579 yards and two touchdowns. The 2019 All-Mountain West honorable mention appeared in 46 straight games to begin his collegiate career. He then missed the final two games of the 2020 season for COVID-19 related issues.
If you asks his former college position coach Kent Riddle, numbers are the only thing that define Bates.
"I think what really makes him a can't miss prospect is his character," Riddle said. "You talk about a guy that shows up every day prepared, ready to work, fights through adversity, shows toughness, and then is productive on the field, give me that guy all day every day.
"John embodies that mindset and character, and then you add a few physical things that some of the other guys many not have had, that's a pretty special dude," Riddle added.
With NCAA eligibility rules relaxed due to COVID-19, Bates had the option to return to Boise State in 2021. However, on Christmas Eve, the native of Lebanon, Ore., told KTVB that he intended to enter the upcoming NFL Draft.
"My plan is to pursue the NFL," said Bates. "I'm very excited and very thankful for everything that Boise State has given me."
"I've been talking with people since I was a little kid, dreaming for this opportunity. It's also surreal now that I'm in this position," he continued. "I think it goes to show that if you set your mind to something, you can really accomplish anything you want."
The 72nd annual Reese's Senior Bowl will air on the NFL Network on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Boise State Senior Bowl History:
2018:
WR - Cedrick Wilson (6th RD, Cowboys)
2016:
DB - Darian Thompson (3rd RD, Giants)
2013:
DB - Jamar Taylor (2nd RD, Dolphins)
2012:
DB - George Iloka (5th RD, Bengals)
RB - Doug Martin (1st RD, Buccaneers)
DL - Shea McClellin (1st RD, Bears)
QB - Kellen Moore (Undrafted)
DL - Billy Winn (6th RD, Browns)
2011:
WR - Austin Pettis (3rd RD, Rams)
WR - Titus Young (2nd, Lions)
2010:
DB - Kyle Wilson (1st RD, Jets)
2006:
OL - Daryn Colledge (2nd RD, Packers)
2002:
OL - Matt Hill (5th RD, Seahawks)