Washington Huskies tight end and former Bozeman Hawk Will Dissly was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round with the No. 120 overall pick on Saturday.
“I think they really appreciated the complete player, the complete tight end that I am,” Dissly said in a conference call with reporters on Saturday morning. “I think they’re excited, versatility is big, so whatever they have planned going forward, I’m just excited to be a part of it and hopefully win some games.”
Dissly was Montana’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2013 for the undefeated Class AA state champion Hawks, one year after losing the state title game by two to Butte. During that season Dissly caught 55 passes for 917 yards and 11 touchdowns. Dissly was also named to the 2014 Parade all-America Football Team, joining notable current NFL players like Leonard Fournette, Myles Garrett, Deshaun Watson, and future Washington teammate Budda Baker.
Dissly started his Washington career at defensive end, but switched to tight end before his junior season. He finished his career with 23 receptions for 277 yards and three touchdowns. The Bozeman native’s shining moment came against the Montana Grizzlies in September of 2017. The Huskies routed the Griz, 63-7, and Dissly finished with career highs of five catches, 79 yards and two touchdowns.
“It’s unbelievable. It wasn’t a perfect story by any means, but I’m really glad the way it worked out,” Dissly said of his position change. “I don’t think it stops here, keep working hard and let’s go win some games for the Hawks.
This Husky is staying in Seattle! #SeahawksDraft pic.twitter.com/yqUGeZB2oM
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 28, 2018
“We got to a point my senior year where I was playing at a high level, but at the same time, I’ve only been playing for two years at tight end. I’m still excited to learn the nuances, the little details that can make me a really good player. I’m really excited to grow and be a contributor for the Hawks.”
Dissly’s fourth-round selection allows him to remain in the state of Washington, joining a Seahawks’ club that finished 9-7 last season. Seattle currently list three tight ends on their roster — Ed Dickson, Nick Vannett and Tyrone Swoopes.
Many draft experts pointed to Dissly’s abilities as a blocking tight end, particularly, as reason for the Seahawks to select the Bozeman product. Dissly says those skills, paired with his size and athleticism, are what he prides himself on.
“I was probably more of a receiving tight end in high school, but now I’m more of a blocking tight end. That’s what I think is the complete package and I think they understand the body type, 6-foot4, 260-pound tight end is kind of what you look for,” he said.
Dissly was home in Bozeman when he received the phone call from the Seahawks, stating that it “felt like half the town” was at his draft party. Montana State football coach Jeff Choate shared two photos on his Twitter page on Saturday morning, showing Dissly working out inside Bobcat Stadium.
Want to be great? Get to work! On his big day @Will_Diss still putting it in. #bozemantothebigtime pic.twitter.com/6If50fikqw
— Jeff Choate (@CoachChoate_MSU) April 28, 2018
