Chris Rainey Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers in the Fifth Round
Saturday, April 28, 2012 | Football
Former Florida running back Chris Rainey (Lakeland, Fla.) has been selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 24th pick of the fifth round (159 overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft, becoming the second Gator selected in this year's Draft. It marks the 32nd consecutive year that multiple Gators have been drafted.
“I'm excited to hear that Chris has been selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Gator head coach Will Muschamp. “He loves to play the game and can impact the game on offense and special teams. It will be good for him to reunite with Maurkice - he is someone Chris has spent a great deal of his life around. He will do whatever he is asked and is eager to begin his professional career.”
Rainey is the first Gator running back drafted since the Green Bay Packers selected DeShawn Wynn in the 7th round of the 2007 Draft. Rainey also becomes the highest drafted UF back since Ciatrick Fason was picked with the 112th (4th round) pick of the 2005 draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
The Steelers have drafted 24 Gators in their history, the most of any NFL team, with the most recent being offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert last season.
Rainey, a 2011 All-SEC First Team selection as an all-purpose performer, appeared in 52 games as a Gator, making 19 starts. During his career, he accumulated 2,464 yards rushing, good for 9th all-time at UF, on 396 attempts (6.2 average) and scored 13 touchdowns. Additionally, Rainey recorded 69 receptions for 795 yards (11.5 average) and scored six touchdowns. Rainey has also been a stalwart on special teams as he holds the school and SEC record for career blocked punts with six.
Career Bio: Chris Rainey GatorZone Bio
Gators in 2012 Draft:
DT Jaye Howard, Seattle Seahawks – 4th round, 114th Overall
RB Chris Rainey, Pittsburgh Steelers – 5th round, 159th Overall
