Latest news with #FCSNationalChampionship
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Could This Rookie Minicamp Tryout OL Be A Missing Link For Seahawks?
Could This Rookie Minicamp Tryout OL Be A Missing Link For Seahawks? Although John Schneider is one of the most well-respected GMs around the NFL, the main caveat of his often stellar draft performances has been the lack of successful offensive linemen. In recent years, the Seahawks have struggled mightily to find a steady group of offensive lineman that work well as a unit. They got the bookend tackles figured out in the 2022 Draft, securing a foundation of Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas that are young and effective when healthy. However, the interior has been tougher to address long-term. They drafted Anthony Bradford, a project guard with elite size and ferocity in the 4th Round of the 2023 Draft, and Christian Haynes, a seemingly well-rounded early-starter at guard in the 3rd Round of the 2024 Draft. Bradford has been injured numerous times, and hasn't moved well enough at his size to pass protect at a starter caliber level, making him a more dependable depth option. Haynes struggled to beat out UDFA Sataoa Laumea, leading Seattle to pick two more Guard prospects in the final two rounds of the 2025 Draft in Bryce Cabeldue and Mason Richman. While they'll certainly make it to the preseason, it's interesting to see the Seahawks bring in Montana State OG Marcus Wehr for a tryout. He stood out at the East-West Shrine Bowl, gaining steam as a late-round guard value as he held up against top DL prospects in 1-on-1s- similar to Seattle's 1st Round Pick Grey Zabel at the Senior Bowl. Wehr still went undrafted, but bears similarities to Zabel that could allow him to rise similarly in camp. For starters, they're both two-time FCS All-Americans, who played tackle in college, but are expected to kick inside to guard. They posted the 1st- and 2nd- ranked PFF Grades among all FCS offensive linemen who played at least 80% of their team's offensive snaps, with Zabel slightly edging Wehr out 90.4 to 89.2. They each anchored an offense who made the FCS National Championship, in which North Dakota State beat Montana State 35-32. But most of all, Zabel and Wehr are 1-on-1 warriors. While Cabeldue and Richman were drafted on athletic testing and profiles, Wehr and Zabel truly have the mean streak that you can't teach. Even though Rookie Minicamp doesn't display OL hitting in pads, Wehr has a shot to stick around until that point in Training Camp and make the OL depth decisions hard come preseason.
USA Today
27-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Raiders 6th round pick Tommy Mellot is absolutely insane
Raiders 6th round pick Tommy Mellot is absolutely insane When the Raiders made their pick at 213 at the end of the sixth round of last night's draft, there were more than a few people who weren't familiar with the name Tommy Mellott. But if that's the case, after this, you might wonder how he slipped under the radar and how the Raiders got him at what is nearly the final round of the draft. Nicknamed "Touchdown" Tommy Mellott at Montana State, he led the Bobcats to the FCS National Championship game. Those heights were not enough for Mellott to really get him on the radar as a potentially draft worthy player. It was when he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash along with a 41-inch vertical jump at his pro day that the pros started seeing the college QB as a potential receiver and return specialist at the next level. With many teams hoping they could snag him late in the draft. One ESPN reporter found, after asking several NFL scouts about who was the most overlooked prospect this year, heard Mellott's name enough to call him the most overlooked prospect in this year's class. A 'best kept secret' if you will. Mellott is said to be the complete package as a player. Super smart, detail oriented, extremely athletic, and impeccable character. As a player he's being touted as a cross between Julian Edelman and Taysom Hill. The new Raiders staff clearly did their homework to find this guy and made a hell of a pick this late in the draft. No doubt there were more than a few NFL teams that were not happy when the Raiders stole their sleeper pick.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pierre native Grey Zabel drafted by Seahawks
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The first Pierre native has been taken in the NFL Draft as offensive guard, Grey Zabel was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. Zabel was taken with the 18th pick of the first round, adding to the very short list of South Dakotans drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. Grey played his college football at North Dakota State. A standout NFL Combine and showing at the Senior Bowl helped Zabel's stock rise. Zabel won the FCS National Championship this season when the Bison defeated Montana State. The NFL Draft continues Friday and Saturday. KELOLAND Sports will have updates from the draft both on-air and online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Montana State's Tommy Mellott a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft
Montana State's Tommy Mellott a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches on April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Montana State University quarterback Tommy Mellott stands out as a hidden gem from the FCS ranks. The 6-foot, 208-pound senior from Butte, Montana, is fun to watch with being a dual-threat and elite athleticism making him a compelling late-round or undrafted free agent prospect. Despite playing at a smaller program, Mellott's accolades and pro day performance suggest he could carve out an NFL role, potentially as a quarterback, gadget player, or even a Julian Edelman-style slot receiver. Lovinging known in Bozeman as 'Tommy Touchdown' , his college career is heavy with historic achievements. He became Montana State's first Walter Payton Award winner in 2024, recognizing him as the FCS's top offensive player, and was named Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year. His 2024 season was a masterclass: 2,783 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and just two interceptions with a 67.8% completion rate, plus 1,050 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Over his career, he amassed 3,523 rushing yards (second in MSU history) and 5,810 passing yards (fifth). He showcased that talent of being able to throw, rush, and catch a touchdown in a single playoff game is just one example of how he could be a Swiss Army Knife for many offensive coordinators in the NFL. Mellot prepared for Montana State's pro day by heading to San Diego immediately after the loss to North Dakota State in the FCS National Championship to train with Lee Spellman at Spellman Performance Facility. Mellott's Pro Day performance was elite and had scouts take notice. Had he attended the combine he would have been at the top of the rankings in every single one the skill drills. With a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 41-inch vertical, which would have set the NFL Combine QB record, and a 10-foot-4 broad jump, these metrics, paired with his 4.20-second short shuttle and 6.93-second L-drill, highlight, his athleticism was indisputable. Scouts from 13 NFL and five CFL teams attended, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and Dallas Cowboys all working out the former Bobcat in the last few weeks leading up to the draft. Mellott also participated in wide receiver and punt return drills, adding to what his value could be for a team's 53 man roster. Despite his FCS competition level and what some have claimed an undersized frame, Mellott's football IQ, work ethic, and leadership make him an enticing developmental prospect. Analysts project him as a seventh-round pick or undrafted free agent, citing concerns about arm strength and pocket presence. However, his fit in RPO-heavy or West Coast offenses, where his mobility and short-to-intermediate accuracy can shine, only adds to the appeal of the value he could be in this draft. Comparisons to Taysom Hill or Edelman suggest he could thrive as a multi-role player. Mellott's journey from Butte to FCS stardom embodies the underdog spirit. With his pro day buzz and NFL interest, this 'Touchdown Tommy' could surprise as a roster-worthy talent, proving small-school prospects can make big impacts.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockford native Brock Spack gets three-year contract extension at Illinois State
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Rockford native Brock Spack is happy at Illinois State, and the folks at ISU are happy with the job that he's done there running the football program. So, Thursday the two sides agreed to a three-year contract extension for Spack to remain the Redbirds' head football will be entering his 17th season at ISU this fall. His overall record is 111-74. He is the winning football coach in school history. He also has the third most conference wins of any coach in the history of the Missouri Valley Football Conference.'Brock has been a pillar of success and consistency at Illinois State for 16 seasons and has raised the stature of our program nationally into one that has the chance to make the playoffs every season,' ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs stated in a news release. 'I am excited that he will continue to be a strong mentor for our student-athletes and continue to be a resource for our department. As the winningest coach in Illinois State football program history, he's set a standard of success for his teams both on and off the field and will continue to grow that in the coming years along with his coaches, support staff and student-athletes. The future of Redbird Football is bright under Brock's continued leadership.'Spack has had four teams win ten or more games in a season. His 2014 team went 13-2 and played for the FCS National Championship. Spack has also coached 21 All-Americans. 'I am deeply grateful for the continued support from Illinois State University Athletic Director Dr. Jeri Beggs Deputy Athletic Director Paul Kabbes, and Illinois State University President Dr. Tarhule in providing me with a contract extension,' Spack stated. 'Their unwavering commitment to our football program reflects not only their belief in our vision but also their dedication to ensuring that every aspect of our team remains competitive within college football. This extension goes beyond me – it is a testament to their belief in our collective success and the bright future we are building together. The investment they are making in our student-athletes, staff, and overall program is invaluable and speaks to their long-term commitment to excellence.'Spack is 63 years old. He was a football standout at Rockford East High School in the late 1970s. He then played at Purdue where he was a three-year starter at linebacker. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
