Former South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst was selected No. 25 overall by the Baltimore Ravens.

The ex-Gamecocks’ pass-catcher tallied 100 receptions for 1,281 yards and three TDs during his three-year career in Columbia. He also added another rushing score in 2017.

Hurst has a different story than most NFL players and prospects. He is a former professional baseball player turned college walk-on in 2015. The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Hurst in the 17th round exiting high school in Jacksonville, Florida.

The hype has been building for the 2017 first-team All-SEC standout since the Gamecocks’ season ended. Hurst’s upside is rather strong, listed at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds — ideal size for an NFL tight end. Even at 250 pounds, Hurst has a very good combination of size and speed and can really move around the field in quick bursts. NFL coaches also love Hurst’s large frame, projecting him to be a solid NFL blocker, too.

Interestingly, Hurst’s age, 25, has been somewhat criticized. Most college players are coming into the league years younger, and some NFL executives think Hurst could be maxed out physically, leaving him only to improve as a football player.

Nonetheless, he should make an instant impact at football’s highest level.