link to article in GoUpstate.com
Clemson wide receiver Xavier Dye, a Byrnes High product, has enlisted Greenville-based Wyatt Sports to assist his attempt at a professional football career.
Dye began training at Velocity Sports Performance in Powdersville on Monday with 2000 Olympic Trial qualifier Michael Johnson and former NFL head coach Sam Wyche.
Johnson has assisted in the careers of current NFL players such as Mark Sanchez, Colt McCoy, Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson. Wyche was the coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 1984-91 and led the team to Super Bowl XXIII in 1989. He then coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1992-95.
Dye said he made a good decision in joining Wyatt Sports.
“One of my mentors kind of knew (Wyatt Sports owner) David (Wyatt) and thought he had the things I needed to learn from to help with my development, and I decided to go with him,” Dye said. “It's a business, and I'm trying to prove myself to the 32 organizations out there. He's going to make sure I succeed.”
Dye, a senior, started four games and finished the season with four catches for 51 yards — an average of 12.9 yards per catch. As a junior, Dye became the first Tiger to catch a touchdown pass from three different players in the same season.
Wyatt, an NFL agent and sports and business attorney, represents former Clemson standouts Nick Eason (Pittsburgh) and Rendrick Taylor (Tampa Bay). He said Dye has all the tools to succeed at the next level.
“I saw him play during his junior year and later had an opportunity to sit down with him in person,” Wyatt said. “His professionalism and poise were extremely impressive. He's also a 6-foot-5 receiver with a 39-inch vertical jump, so the skills are there. He has the character and star power to be successful.”
Wyatt said that Wyche also thinks Dye can compete for a job in the pros.
“Coach Wyche was very impressed with him and said that he is an NFL caliber receiver,” Wyatt said.
Dye is requesting to be added to the NFL Scouting Combine to be held in Indianapolis in February. He said the training he receives over the next month will be vital in reaching his goal.
“Film has been sent out on me to show that I can play,” Dye said. “Right now, I'm just training and running and doing all the drills to prepare for what is done at the combine. It will be fun, and I'm looking forward to it.”
Posted on
Wed, January 5, 2011
by By KEVIN MELTON