Every year, the NFL Scouting Combine sparks a debate about its relevance and the performance of the athletes. Regardless of which side you support, one group for whom this event is crucial is the small-school prospects. Players from FCS, Division II, and Division III regularly face challenges and stigmas as they strive to demonstrate their skills alongside their FBS counterparts. While their journey is commendable, scouts and evaluators often find it difficult to make direct comparisons due to varying levels of competition. This is where events like all-star games and the combine play a vital role. They provide a platform for these players to showcase their abilities against major program athletes.
This year, only seven prospects from smaller colleges, all from the FCS, will be participating in the combine in Indianapolis. Let's explore these prospects aiming to make a name for themselves and represent small-school athletes nationwide.
Charles Grant stands out as arguably the best offensive lineman in the FCS. Known for his athletic prowess, Grant exhibits a dominant and consistent performance on film, which is crucial for a small-school prospect. His opportunity to shine lies in the agility drills, where he can demonstrate his capabilities.
Marcus Yarns is a remarkable receiver whose skills have impressed audiences during Delaware games. His standout moments at the combine will likely be his 40-yard dash and 10-yard splits, which are expected to capture the attention of professional scouts.
I had the opportunity to see Isas Waxter both during a broadcast against Monmouth and at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Waxter's game tape is exactly what scouts are eager to see. The combine presents him with a chance to cap off his postseason with an outstanding performance, particularly in the agility drills and 40-yard dash.
Carson Vinson made waves at the Reese's Senior Bowl, sparking discussions about his potential draft position. At the Senior Bowl, he answered questions concerning his ability to handle increased competition levels. This week, Vinson's focus will be on interviews, medical evaluations, and on-field performance in bag drills.
Grey Zabel delivered a dominant performance at the Senior Bowl, right after concluding a 16-game regular season. Competing in all aspects of the combine is a win for Zabel. His medical evaluations and interviews will be crucial in potentially elevating his stock into the first round.
Jackson Slater had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl, showcasing his skills as an interior offensive lineman. The combine will be an opportunity for him to highlight his athleticism, a significantly underrated aspect of his game. The agility testing and 40-yard split numbers will provide vital insights.
David Walker had a stellar time in Mobile, excelling in both practice sessions and the game. At the combine, his goal is to showcase his versatility and handle positional flexibility. Despite being slightly undersized for a defensive edge player, Walker's skills will be evident during on-field bag drills and zone-drop drills.
