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SALT LAKE CITY — Former University of Utah offensive lineman J.J. Dielman was selected No. 176 overall Saturday in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Dielman, who sustained a season-ending injury early in his senior season, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengal. He's the sixth player and third offensive lineman from the school to be drafted in 2017.
The Arizona native was a three-year starter on the offensive line after redshirting in 2012. Dielman played right tackle before being moved to center his senior season. He was named one of the team's captains and was a strong supporter of the program despite having to watch from the sideline.
Despite his injury, Dielman was one of eight University of Utah players invited to the NFL Combine. He only participated in the bench press drill where he benched 225 pounds 27 times.
Only played 4 games in 2016 but still gets his shot at the NFL! A tribute to the Repetition of the the UTES & A GREAT OL COACH JIM HARDING pic.twitter.com/ey4ZWK4diE
— Coach Guy Holliday (@eagle88me) April 29, 2017