Rico Gathers, Baylor Basketball Player, Reportedly to Play Football Next Season

Baylor Bears power forward Rico Gathers will reportedly play football for the school next season, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Gathers, a senior basketball player, still has one year of eligibility left to play another sport.

After the news of Gathers' apparent decision broke, John Werner of the Waco Tribune-Herald reported a Baylor spokesman said the report is untrue:

Gathers, a bruising big man who checks in at 6'8", 275 pounds, was averaging a Big 12-high 9.6 rebounds per game as of Monday night. He plans to play tight end, according to McClain.

McClain's report was a surprise, though, after Gathers announced his intentions to try out for the NFL following the basketball season Friday, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

"Football has been in my heart," Gathers said. "I feel like it's a natural fit for me. During my free time, I work on my routes all the time. I have my own football, my own cleats, I run 40s all the time. I think I'm ready."

If McClain's report is true, Gathers apparently didn't feel ready and will use next season to hone his skills for a Bears team that finished 10-3 and ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press Top 25 following a slew of injuries in 2015.

McClain thinks it would be a good idea:

Gathers unintentionally showed his strength after hitting his first career three-pointer in a loss to the Kansas Jayhawks on Feb. 23, via ESPN College BBall:

"

Beware of Rico Gathers chest bumps.  https://t.co/MHheQI4Xy2

— ESPN College BBall (@ESPNCBB) February 24, 2016"

After averaging a double-double last season and approaching those marks again this year, Gathers could make a case for the NBA. DraftExpress projects him as a second-round pick.

However, he would not be the first basketball player to make the switch, as notable tight ends Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and Julius Thomas turned college basketball careers into successful NFL careers.

Gathers has the size to make it in football and, judging by his quotes, the passion as well. Given his strong work ethic, he will likely at least get a tryout, and Schefter reported at least one NFL team is already interested in helping him transition to the league.

It might seem like a risk, but if it's what he wants, he should go after his goal.