Sean Renfree was selected with the 43rd pick in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, becoming Duke's first selection since tackle Drew Strojny was taken by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2004 Draft.
Renfree was the 249th overall selection and will join quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Dominique Davis on the Falcons' roster.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Sean and his family,” said Duke head coach David Cutcliffe in a press release. “I’ve said it before—I think Sean Renfree is the most accurate passer in this year’s draft class. A career completion percentage of nearly 65 percent for a major college quarterback is exceptional, and in Sean’s case, that happened for a reason because of his skill level, mental toughness and preparation."
Renfree led Duke to its first bowl appearance since 1994 during his senior season, completing 67.3 percent of his passes for 3,113 yards, including 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He did not have the chance to work out for NFL scouts after having surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle the day after Duke's Belk Bowl loss to Cincinnati.
"The Atlanta Falcons are getting a young man who will have a positive impact on the field, in the film room, in the locker room and in the community; he’s just that type of special person," Cutcliffe said. "Today, Sean realizes a dream that so many boys have at an early age and no one is more deserving.”
Atlanta used just two of its eight selections on offensive players in this year's Draft after picking Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant in the first round.
This article was last updated at 8:46 p.m.
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