Father, Pat, played two seasons with the Chicago Bears (1983-84). Drake also earned letters in track (three) and basketball (two) as a Kansas prep. As a true freshman in ’07 (wore jersey No. 42), had 11 receptions for 141 yards (12.8-yard average) and no touchdowns. Added six tackles on special teams. Had postseason surgery to repair a damaged left labrum. Missed the ’08 season with a torn right ACL then suffered a broken ankle during conditioning drills. In the summer of ’09, experienced a blood clot and was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (first rib and subclavian muscle were pinching subclavian vein). Was prescribed medicine by a vascular surgeon and was on blood thinners to dissolve the clot, allowing him to play in ’09. Started 7-of-13 games at “superback” (hybrid TE-FB), tallying 47-523-3 (11.1). After experiencing repeat symptoms following the season, sought a specialist’s opinion and required a rib resection procedure, a seven-hour surgery that relieved the compression on the subclavian vein. Sat out ’10 spring practice but started 8-of-13 games in the fall, catching 40-381-5 (9.5). Hyperextended his right knee vs. Minnesota and tweaked an ankle prior to the Michigan State game. Started 11-of-13 games at the superback position in ’11 and caught 45-522-6 (11.6), which ranked second on the team.

Good balance and movement skills. Can extend and catch and make difficult grabs (see one-handed TD vs. Penn State). Fine route runner — shows some savvy. Navigates zone coverage and settles in soft spots. Has special-teams experience. Plays hard. Physically and mentally tough. Football-smart. Hardworking and coachable.

Lacks ideal size for a tight end. Tweener traits. Extensive injury history — durability is a concern. Average acceleration, speed and flexibility. One-speed route runner. Has some concentration drops. Limited creativity after the catch. Average physicality and sustain as a blocker — lacks bulk strength to root in line or create movement.

Competitive, injury-prone, “move” player who lacks explosiveness as a receiver and strength as a blocker. Catches well enough to compete for an H-back job if he can stay healthy.