— Braxton Deaver’s path to the National Football League could’ve been deterred by two season-ending injuries at Duke University, or by going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft.

However, through determination and perseverance, the former Duke Blue Devil has fulfilled a childhood dream – becoming a member of his hometown Carolina Panthers.

Deaver, who used to watch the Panthers’ training camp at Wofford College from the stands as a fan, is now fighting for a roster spot in Spartanburg, S.C.

The Charlotte native was a member of the Blue Devils from 2011 to 2015, but Deaver missed the 2012 and 2014 seasons due to injuries.

In 2012, Deaver underwent three surgeries – repairs to his left ACL, left thumb fracture and left patella fracture. Two years later, he was back in the operating room to repair a torn right ACL that he injured during practice on Aug. 18, 2014.

Deaver was granted a sixth year of eligibility after the NCAA granted the former Blue Devil a medical hardship.

After all 32 teams passed on the Charlotte native, Carolina on May 13 offered Deaver an invite to the team’s rookie minicamp at Bank of America Stadium along with 35 other undrafted rookie free agents.

Three days later, Deaver was one of six players offered a non-guaranteed, entry-level contract from Carolina.

This is what a dream looks like. A lot of work ahead but I could not be more excited and thankful for the opportunity to represent my city and all of my loved ones!! A photo posted by Braxton Deaver (@b_the_deavo89) on May 16, 2016 at 7:18am PDT

“I know that I’m representing my hometown and city, and that’s something that I take great deal of pride in,” Deaver said. “I take a great deal of pride in representing my family and friends who are from Charlotte. “It’s a dream come true, and I’m very thankful to be here.”

Success at NFL level more than on-the-field skills

Deaver said his improvement has been “night and day” from his first practices during Carolina’s offseason training activities, but the mastering the mental part of the game on a professional level has proven to be the most difficult task.

“People just think we’re just out there running around in helmets and bumper-caring into each other, but it’s so much more than that as far as a mental aspect,” he said. “You really have to have a sharp mental capacity.”

Deaver considers himself a “unique” receiver, but he said the position requires honing in on additional skills to make it in the NFL.

“Your technique has to be superb. You have to have great hands, great feet and come off the ball, and hit guys in the mouth,” he Deaver said. “It’s all about control and really having a great base and working what you’ve been taught.”

When you compete you get better, and we were getting after it today! @Panthers another great day for the squad 😈⚡️ — Braxton Deaver (@TheDeavo89) August 4, 2016

During the team’s month-long break following its three-day minicamp in June, Deaver hit the [play]books before arriving at Wofford College for training camp on July 27.

“From OTAs and that month that we had off, it really gave me a chance to study hard and really understand what I’m doing,” Deaver said. “Going into this camp I’m very comfortable with what I’m doing.

“There’s always more I can learn, but definability much more comfortable – at least knowing where to line up.”

Veteran tight ends aid in Deaver’s development

Deaver said to teammates have played a crucial role in his development on-and-off the football field since arriving in Spartanburg – tight ends Greg Olsen and Ed Dickson.

According to Deaver, Dickson’s guidance in the classroom has boosted his confidence in learning the team’s playbook.

“He’s really helped me in the classroom and has looked out for me,” Deaver said. “He’s really taken me under his wing and I appreciate that.”

The rookie and the vet 🔥 A photo posted by Braxton Deaver (@b_the_deavo89) on Jul 29, 2016 at 3:44pm PDT

Deaver’s relationship with Olsen dates back to his days as a standout wide receiver at Providence High School in Charlotte. He reached out to Olsen on multiple occasions in high school and college for advice on how to reach the professional level.

Now, Deaver is receiving hands-on guidance from the Pro Bowler.

“To watch what he does, and to see how he took ownership of his game, is truly invaluable,” Deaver said. “It’s something that I’ve tried to hone in on and ask him as many questions as I can because he’s seen just about everything.

“I couldn’t ask for a better mentor or role model to follow after. He’s a true pro.”

Olsen said becoming a tight end on the Panthers’ roster may be a more difficult task than outsiders realize, especially for incoming rookies.

“Mentally, there’s a lot. You’re in the passing game installs with the wide receivers and quarterbacks, you’re in the run game installs with the offensive linemen. You’re in the pass protections, you’ve got hots [hot reads].

“I think for these young guys it’s a rude awakening. Here, when you play tight end, you’re going to play it. But these guys are smart. They want to do well and they ask a million questions.”

Former teammate joins Deaver as undrafted rookie with Carolina

Joining Deaver as an undrafted rookie free agent with Carolina is former Duke teammate Jeremy Cash, who was signed only hours after the NFL Draft.

Cash, a former All-ACC safety, is in the midst of transitioning to linebacker with the Panthers.

Deaver said he and Cash are currently working on completing their master’s degree while fighting for a position on the team.

“It’s been a nice transition to have somebody when I first got here,” he said. “We were able to bounce things off each other. He’s playing defense and I’m playing offense, so we don’t see each other as much as you might think. He’s my buddy, so it’s been really nice.”

Deaver, who graduated from Duke in May of 2015 with an undergraduate degree in sociology, will earn his master’s degree in liberal sciences.

His coursework is completed, but Deaver is halfway through his final thesis, which focuses on the reclamation process for returning war veterans present, contrasted with Vietnam.

“It was the most I’ve ever learned,” Deaver said. “It was incredible; I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to get that done with my sixth year of eligibility.”

Deaver’s time at Duke, on-and-off the field, is a special part of his life he will always cherish and said he will forever consider himself part of the Blue Devil family.

He credits Duke head football coach David Cutcliffe, and the entire program, with his development as a man and football player.

“I couldn’t have had a better mentor, coach, father figure than coach [David] Cutcliffe,” Deaver said. “He took his time with each and every one of us. He looked out for us, and he made sure we understood what it meant to be a respectful young man.

“I take a lot of pride in being a part of that program and what we did as far as rising to where we went to.”

Deaver in thick of 7-man fight for tight end roster spot

Carolina is currently carrying seven tight ends on its roster: Deaver, Dickson, Marcus Lucas, Olsen, Beau Sandland, Scott Simonson and Eric Wallace.

At least three of the seven players will likely end up cut or on Carolina’s practice squad for the 2016 season.

Amid the competition, Deaver says he is unfazed and ready for the challenge of earning a spot on the 53-man roster.

“I understand what I have to do; I understand where I’m coming from,” Deaver said. “I’m here for a reason. I just have to keep blocking well, and I have to just keep doing what I do as far as with the ball.

“That’s a big part of the NFL – you can’t just be a receiver. I’m excited for the challenge. We’re all competing, and we all understand that they’re only going to take a certain number of guys.”

Deaver said the tight ends group remains an encouraging and positive company although they’re all gunning to dress for Carolina’s Week 1 matchup in Denver against the reigning Super Bowl champion Broncos.

“We’re going to let the cards fall, there is no animosity,” he said. “You get your shot and you take it. We’ve all kind of gelled and become good friends.”

Deaver and the Panthers will return to Charlotte Friday at 7:30 p.m. for Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium. The Charlotte native will have his first chance to line up in a preseason game on Aug. 11 against the Ravens in Baltimore.

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