Nathaniel “Tank” Dell researched the coaches recruiting him to play wide receiver out of Independence Community College and learned that Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen was a former wide receiver with Air-Raid roots. Dell figured the Houston offense would put him in position to make plays, and the NFL, so he became a Cougar prior to the 2020 season.  A trip to Houston staple The Turkey Leg Hut didn’t hurt. 

“Coming to play with Coach Holgorsen was a blessing,” Dell said. “I’m so happy God placed me here.”

Dell made an immediate impact, leading the Cougars with 29 receptions for 428 yards in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The circumstances weren’t ideal for Dell, or anyone, during that season, so he set out to become a national name in 2021. He accomplished that mission by racking up 90 catches for 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns. No other Cougar accounted for more than 37 catches, 500 yards receiving, or five touchdown catches. 

The added production coincided with a move inside as a full-time slot receiver midway through the 2021 season. Dell’s 5-10, 155-pound frame can’t be bullied on the inside. That allows his elite-level quickness to terrorize defenses. He played biggest in the most important games, catching 10 passes for 150 yards in the bowl win over Auburn. He recorded nine receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown in the AAC championship game loss at Cincinnati. 

“He is an elite inside receiver,” Holgorsen said. “I probably haven’t had an inside receiver with his talent since Tavon Austin. His ball skills are incredible.” 

Not bad for a player with two scholarship offers out of Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fla. Dell planned to enroll at FIU out of high school, but the offer was pulled days before signing day. A teammate’s dad was a coach at Alabama A&M, so Dell landed there his first year of college with a large chip on his shoulder. 

The path through JUCO ranks can be difficult. There are a myriad of distractions and countless players who never make it to the next level. 

“My only dream since I was six years old was to go to the NFL,” Dell said. “I never had a Plan B. My choice was to become a statistic or to go make something of my life.”