Kolar selected No. 128 overall by Ravens

Dec 19, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Charlie Kolar (88) scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State tight end Charlie Kolar, the most decorated player at his position in school history, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round with the 128th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Kolar’s standout Cyclone career included being a three-time First Team All-Big 12 selection, a three-time All-American, and two-time Mackey Award Finalist on the field. Off the field, Kolar was CoSIDA Academic All-America Football Player of the Year and recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2021.

The Norman, Oklahoma, native owns virtually all tight end records and ranks in ISU’s career top 10 in the following categories: receptions (168, 4^th), receiving yards (2,181, 4^th) and touchdowns (23, 3^rd).

“Charlie is one of the best competitors I have ever been around,” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said. “He takes great pride in everything that he does and that has set him up to be successful both on the field and off. Charlie has been an incredible representative of Iowa State the last five years and we are thrilled for him and the Kolar family.”

In 2021, Kolar started 11 of 12 games and led all Big 12 tight ends in receptions (62), receiving yards (756) and touchdown receptions (6), breaking his own season school records by tight ends in catches and receiving yards.

He ranked fifth nationally in catches per game (5.2) and fourth in the nation in receiving yards per game (63.0) among tight ends.

When the Cyclones needed someone to make a play through the air, it was often Kolar that they turned to. He had 18 third-down conversions and three more on fourth down.

Kolar’s best game came at Oklahoma, breaking ISU single-game records for tight ends in catches (12) and receiving yards (152), including eight receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter alone. His 12 receptions tied for the fifth-most by a Cyclone in school history.

Kolar, the first Cyclone tight end drafted since Mike Banks in 2002, is the third Cyclone picked in the 2022 NFL Draft, joining Breece Hall (New York Jets, 2^nd Round, Pick 36) and Enyi Uwazurike (Denver Broncos, 4^th Round, Pick 116).

2022 Iowa State NFL Draft Picks

Breece Hall – New York Jets – 2^nd Round – Pick 36

Enyi Uwazurike – Denver Broncos – 4^th Round – Pick 116

Charlie Kolar – Baltimore Ravens – 4^th Round – Pick 128

Cyclone Draft Notes

–          Kolar is the seventh Cyclone tight end to be drafted and the first since Mike Banks in 2002.

–          Kolar is the sixth Cyclone drafted under Matt Campbell.

–          Kolar is the second Cyclone drafted by the Ravens, joining Kelechi Osemele in 2012.

–          Iowa State’s three draft picks are its most since having three in 2001.

Jared Stansbury

View articles by Jared Stansbury subscriber

Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

Follow @@JaredStansbury