Dawgs By Nature
Mitch Van Vooreen was a track star and hurdler at Marquette
The Cleveland Browns constant turnover on their roster continues and is likely to continue until the team gets down to its initial 53-man roster. The tight end position has been a place of concern for the Browns roster, with TE David Njoku having “figured it out” at the top, but a lot of questions after that.
Rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. has a lot of people excited, but it is tough for rookies at the position, despite his similarities to Brock Bowers, who excelled in Year 1. TE Blake Whiteheart has grown into the position and tries to use his speed to his advantage while learning by blocking DE Myles Garrett.
Cleveland also brought in TE Sal Cannella from the UFL with Brenden Bates also on the roster.
According to a report from Jeff Risdon, the Browns are adding Mitch Van Vooren to the roster as well:
As noted by NBC Sports, Van Vooreen’s track resume is impressive:
An undrafted rookie, Van Vooren was a track runner and hurdler at Marquette, setting a program record in the 400-meter hurdles. But he elected to play football, transferring to St. Norbert College for his last two years at that level.
Van Vooreen was at rookie minicamp on a tryout basis earlier this offseason before being signed by the Seattle Seahawks back in June.
According to St. Norbert’s website, Vooren was impactful during his time there:
Career: Played in 22 games, catching 65 passes for 1,045 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his time with the Green Knights, St. Norbert went 15-7 and finished second in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in 2023 and 2024. In his final career game, helped the Green Knights win their first-ever bowl game with a 20-14 win over Monmouth in the Cousins Subs Lakefront Bowl. Was named first-team All-NACC in 2024 and was an honorable-mention choice in 2023.
2024: Named a first-team All- NACC selection, totaling 33 receptions and 510 yards with 10 touchdowns in 11 games.
With a roster in transition, no surprise to see GM Andrew Berry trying to uncover diamonds in the rough during training camp.
