Jeff Dugan was born on April 8, 1981, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jeff attended Central Catholic High School, a Roman Catholic college preparatory school for boys in Pittsburgh. This is the same school where NFL legend Dan Marino attended, and NFL great Mark Bulger. While at Central, Dugan was the team captain his senior year, earned all-league honors as a defensive end and tight end, and was rated as one of the top tight end prospects in Pennsylvania. Jeff also competed in the shot put on the track and field team. Dugan graduated high school in 1999, and attended the University of Maryland in 2000.While at Maryland, Dugan double majored, earning his bachelors degree in business and finance. Jeff volunteered with school hospital visits. He was named the Freshman of the Year, was selected to the Freshman All-American 3rd team by The Sports Page, took over the starting position after the season opener as a tight end, and ranked 2nd on the team with career high 25 receptions for 319 yards, and a touch down. Jeff also recorded 3 tackles, and recovered a fumble. Dugan earned his first career start in week two against West Virginia, and posted 4 receptions for 64 yards. Dugan's career high game came in week three of this season, where he caught 5 passes for 91 yard versus Middle Tennessee.
In 2001, Dugan started in 10 of 13 games, but was used primarily as a blocker. He recorded 7 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. In 2002, Dugan was named to the All-ACC honorable mention list, and started in every game that season. Dugan recorded 9 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. He opened the season versus Notre Dame, and caught 2 passes for 25 yards, and had a 25 yard reception versus Florida State. Dugan also recorded 2 receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown against Clemson. With numbers like theses, it makes me wonder why coaches don't use guys like Dugan more often. Dugan would average about 8 yards per catch.
In his final season with Maryland, Jeff earned Second Team All-ACC honors, and started in every game but one. Dugan made 14 catches for 175 yards. Eight of his catches set up Maryland touchdowns. Dugan averaged 12.5 yards per reception in 2003. Jeff recorded 2 catches for 22 yards versus the Citadel, 3 receptions for 50 yards versus West Virginia, and three catches for 40 yards against Virginia. Another very good year by Dugan. Jeff graduated for Maryland, and entered the 2004 Draft. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings, in the second round, and went 220 overall, and became one of two players ever drafted by the Vikings from Maryland. The other Terrapin drafted was E. J. Henderson.
In 2004, Dugan's rookie season, he played in 14 of 16 regular season games, made two starts, and played in two playoff games. Dugan played in the third most games, for Viking rookies that season. Jeff had a career high three tackles on special teams in a game against Green Bay on November 14th, notched a special teams tackle versus Detroit, and made his first career start on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 20th. Jeff's 2005 season consisted of only one game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 2nd. He was then listed as inactive for 15 regular season games. Dugan made his first career playoff start versus Green Bay, on January 9, 2005. Although Jeff was inactive for those 15 games that season, it was never listed as injury related.
In 2006, Jeff made his transition from tight end to full back, when Tony Richardson had a season ending injury. Dugan handled the transition admirably, and assisted Chester Taylor, as he ran for 1,214 yards, which became the fourth highest in Vikings history. Dugan also helped a pair of running backs rush for 100+ yards in the final seven games of the season. Jeff contributed on special teams as well.
Dugan has proven himself to be very beneficial for the Vikings. Along with his receiving skills, Jeff also has the ability to line up in the back field as a full back. He was a key contributor to Chester Taylor's success last season with his blocking skills, and can also play on special teams. Dugan is a very good teammate, and will play any position he is needed in. Dugan proved this true, with his transition from tight end to full back. Dugan was a part of a very impressive draft class in 2004, which saw 6 of 8 players make a start in their rookie season.
In 2007, Jeff has played in all four games. He has 2 receptions for 24 yards, with the longest going for 13 yards versus Green Bay. Jeff also had one rushing attempt for 3 yards in his game against the Packers. Keep your eyes and ears on this guy Viking fans. With everyone wondering what exactly is Brad Childress' offensive scheme, Dugan could make some very key plays in the backfield, or even catch a few passes. This all depends on what Brad Childress does with Jeff Dugan. Look on the field for number 83, and see what he really can do for the Vikings. I bet it will be great.
SKOL DUGAN!!!!!!
&
SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!
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