April 27, 2013
STANFORD, Calif. - Tight end Levine Toilolo was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 36th pick (133rd overall) of the fourth round in the 2013 NFL Draft Saturday.
Toilolo joins fellow Stanford tight end Zach Ertz in the draft after Ertz was selected by Philadelphia in the second round a day earlier. It is commonplace for Stanford tight ends in the NFL these days as Toilolo becomes the seventh Cardinal big target in the NFL, joining Ertz, Coby Fleener (Indianapolis), Jim Dray (Arizona), Konrad Reuland (N.Y. Jets), Evan Moore (Philadelphia) and Alex Smith (Cincinnati).
"I'm beyond excited right now. I'm looking forward to being a part of the Falcons organization,” said Toilolo from his family’s home in Sand Diego. “I'll be able to learn from Tony Gonzalez, a future Hall of Famer and one of the best to ever play the position in the game. I can't wait to get out there to Atlanta, get to work and be a part of this team."
At 6 foot 8, 265 pounds, Toilolo (pronounced Toy-lo-lo) started 14 games and was a valuable asset as both a blocker and pass-catcher. He totaled 393 yards and four touchdowns on 24 receptions this year, leading all Stanford receivers with 16.4 yards per catch. All four of his TDs came from inside the red zone. With the NFL featuring matchups in key situations, Toilolo is projected to be a key target in those same situations at the next level.
Toilolo is the fifth Stanford tight end to be drafted in the past nine years, joining Ertz, Fleener (Indianapolis/2012/2nd), Dray (Arizona/2010/7th) and Smith (Tampa Bay/ 2005/3rd).
Toilolo’s three uncles played in the NFL: Dan Saleaumua for the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks (1987-98); Edwin Mulitalo for the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions (1999-2008); and Joe Salave’a for the Tennessee Oilers/Titans, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins (1998-2001, 2003-06).
Toilolo becomes the first Stanford player drafted by Atlanta in 20 years when outside linebacker Ron George was selected in the fifth round of the 1993 draft.
Stanford's 2013 Draft class finished their Cardinal careers with three straight BCS bowl games and a 25-2 record at Stanford Stadium.