Former Saguaro Star Christian Kirk Drafted By Cardinals

Arizona Sports News online

Former Saguaro and Texas A&M star Christian Kirk was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 47th overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft.

While with the Sabercats, Kirk put up some staggering numbers, including over 3,000 all-purpose yards as a senior, a Gatorade Player of the Year nod and helped start the five straight state title run for the Sabercats.

After committing to Kevin Sumlin and Texas A&M, he went on to be one of the most explosive players in the nation. Arizonans saw first hand what he could do at the collegiate level after he returned a punt for a touchdown and had a long receiving touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in his college debut. In three years with the Aggies, he had 264 receptions with 2,856 yards and 26 touchdowns.

VIDEO: Christian Kirk Talks #SagU, TAMU and the NFL

As Pro Football Focus’ Jordan Plocher writes, Kirk should be able to not only help the Bird Gang offensively but in the special teams as well:

Kirk is a dynamic athlete who does most of his damage as a slot receiver. However, he can also contribute as a deadly punt and kick returner and he returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in 2017. Kirk had 37 career punt returns for 824 yards (22.3 average) and six touchdowns, but his return grade was lower this year due to some ball security issues – a fumble against LSU, a muff against South Carolina and a kick return fumble against Alabama – but when he locks the ball away into his hands, he is a deadly returner who can score on any given play.

He is the active leader in punt return average and punt return touchdowns with six. 

VIDEO: Kirk Ready To Silence NFL Critics

What’s Next for Christian Kirk

Christian Kirk will learn from Larry Fitzgerald and the rest of the Cardinals receiving corps. Kirk and UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen are the first two picks for Arizona.

Stay tuned for more from our very own Eric Sorenson on Kirk’s journey to the NFL.