Former FCS players aren’t just participating at the major all-star games, they’re turning heads. Here’s a look at some the standouts who are soaring above “small school” status.
Ring the bell, the stock is up for plenty of FCS 2025 NFL prospects.
The postseason leadup to the NFL Draft is a dizzying up-and-down journey for players, but FCS standouts have impressed at major college all-star games, including the Hula, Tropical, East-West Shrine and Senior bowls.
Hundreds of NFL personnel attend the practices and games to evaluate prospects, many of whom will be selected in the 2025 draft from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Whose stock has risen in recent weeks? Here’s are some of the FCS 2025 NFL prospects:
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Reese’s Senior Bowl
Height: 6-5; Weight: 316
2024 Stat to Know: Durable and versatile, Zabel played in 62 career games with 46 starts – the last one while NDSU won the FCS national championship.
Takeaway: A consistent winner in one-on-one drills, Zabel’s impressive display of hand strength and mechanics combined with William & Mary offensive lineman Charles Grant sidelined at the Senior Bowl may have moved him to the top spot among FCS prospects. He’s being referenced as a possible top-50 draft pick.
What They’re Saying: “It was at all different positions moving up and down the line. The versatility, I’m telling you, it’s going to be a big draw in draft rooms. He can hold up at tackle, if you need him to, but, man, he looked comfortable at all three interior line spots.” – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington
Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl
Height: 5-10; Weight: 195
2024 Stats to Know: While grabbing 120 receptions as a senior to tie for the fifth-most in an FCS season, Chism also set the subdivision record with a catch in 53 consecutive games, or one more than EWU legend Cooper Kupp.
Takeaway: Gained the Shrine Bowl invite after impressing at the Hula Bowl, showing off both shifty route running and excellent hands. His toughness is perfect in the slot.
What They’re Saying: ”He’s got good body control and change of direction with his route running and showed an ability to track the ball.” – Emory Hunt, CBS Sports
Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
East-West Shrine Bowl
Height: 6-1; Weight: 210
2024 Stats to Know: Miller ranked No. 1 in the FCS in passing efficiency (180.1) and No. 2 in completion% (73.5) and total touchdowns (45).
Takeaway: An athletic signal caller with 45 career wins at NDSU, Miller added to his improved passing as a senior with accuracy and crisp reads during Shrine Bowl week.
What They’re Saying: “The biggest thing with Cam Miller is that he’s a gamer. When the lights are on, when everything’s full speed, there’s not many other quarterback prospects in this class I would take over Cam Miller – if the game was on the line and (my team) needed to make a play.” – Zach McKinnell, FCS Football Central
Carson Vinson, OL, Alabama A&M
Reese’s Senior Bowl
Height: 6-7½; Weight: 314
2024 Stats to Know: A&M finished No. 1-ranked in the SWAC in offensive yards per game (444.5), passing yards per game (260.5), fewest sack yards allowed (107) and average time of possession (32 minutes, 49 seconds).
Takeaway: O-linemen from FCS HBCU programs haven’t quite met the jump in competition at elite all-star games in recent seasons, but Vinson solidified his draft stock against FBS-level edge rushers. His agility and mobility have mirrored his athletic frame (his 35 1/8-inch arms measured as the second-longest at the Senior Bowl).
What They’re Saying: “Vinson’s footwork and lateral quickness are among his strongest traits. His ability to change direction and move fluidly across the line of scrimmage allows him to excel in space, whether pulling, climbing to the second level or executing reach blocks.” – Gerald J. Huggins II, SI.com
Gareth Warren, OL, Lindenwood
East-West Shrine Bowl
Height: 6-5; Weight: 330
2024 Stat to Know: Anchored the Big South-OVC’s top rushing offense (173.7 yards per game).
Takeaway: East Texas A&M defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez was a surprise seventh-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings last year after playing at an FCS program that was going through the Division I reclassifying process. Similarly, Warren flew under the radar while playing in 39 career games for a Lindenwood program that was Division II in his freshman season, then in the FCS transition the last three years. He’s turned heads with his power, size and reach on the interior.
What They’re Saying: ”His anchor is as strong as you’d expect at 6-5, 330 pounds, and the mobility is also there to pull and trap. Warren showed no fear facing opponents from Power Four programs, showing teams he’s a worthy selection in the top half of Day 3 (of the NFL Draft).” – Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware
Reese’s Senior Bowl
Height: 5-10; Weight: 189
2024 Stat to Know: His 17.5 yards per reception were the most in the FCS among running backs with 15+ catches (he had 17 for 297 yards and five touchdowns).
Takeaway: The speed and turns in positional drills has left defenders reeling and Yarns showing his pass catching skill set. He has a knack for finding the end zone (29 touchdowns from scrimmage in his final two seasons) and the look of a third-down back on the next level.
What They’re Saying: ”Yarns was cooking in 1-on-1 drills today and snagging everything thrown in his direction. He has put himself on the late-round NFL Draft radar for NFL teams hoping to snag his services and avoid a bidding war in the UDFA (undrafted free agent) pool,” – Derek Brown, FantasyPros
More FCS Risers
Keondre Jackson, SS, Illinois State (Hula Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl)
Jackson Slater, OG, Sacramento State (Reese’s Senior Bowl)
Isas Waxter, CB, Villanova (East-West Shrine Bowl)
Marcus Wehr, OG/C, Montana State (East-West Shrine Bowl)
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