The FCS has long been a hidden gem in the world of college football, producing NFL talent that often goes unnoticed by the common eye.
While the annual draft spotlight tends to shine on the Power Four programs that headline your viewing schedule each Saturday, the FCS level consistently showcases a wealth of intriguing skill sets. Stemming from conversations within league circles over the spring and summer, here are a few prospects to become familiar with in this first rendition of ‘FCS Friday’, a piece that will update weekly as names continue to flash during the fall.
Isas Waxter, DB, Villanova
It was just two years ago when we saw the Buffalo Bills draft Christian Benford in the sixth round out of the same program. While Waxter is a fundamentally different player than Benford, his size (6-foot-2) and length showcase a player who has been a nightmare to target against at the FCS level. Heading into 2024, Waxter had amassed three INTs, 11 PBUs, and allowed just one touchdown as the primary man in coverage since his freshman year in 2019. He projects as a multi-phase contributor due to his mass and instincts in space.
Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M
The premier prospect from the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) ranks this cycle, Vinson has been a topic of draft conversations for multiple years. He looks the part at 6-foot-6, but questions will remain about his level of competition after failing to move the needle in matchups against Vanderbilt (2023) and Auburn.
Reuben Lowery III, DB, Chattanooga
One of the FCS’ premier nickel corners, expect to hear a lot of Lowery’s name as the months progress. An alpha on the outside who takes each snap personally, Lowery has received comparisons ranging from former Auburn corner Roger McCreary to longtime Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who Lowery reportedly models his game after.
Hunter Zambrano, OL, Illinois State
In a program that hasn’t had an offensive lineman drafted since 1986 (Jim Meyer), Zambrano is a physically overpowering force within the front five that could very well hear his name called in April. Thus far in 2024, he’s earned starts at both left guard and left tackle and is someone whose alignment versatility has held weight in the eyes of NFL evaluators thus far in the campaign. He looks the part at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, and plays with a violent demeanor in the trenches.
Saiku White, SAF, Lafayette
A highly productive and alignment-versatile defender, White is a ballhawk on the backend. A first-team All-Conference selection in 2023, his athletic profile and ability to take the ball away has seen scouts flock to the small town of Easton, PA to get a glimpse of his skill set. His seven interceptions so far in his career paint the picture of the type of instincts he operates with at all three levels for the Leopards.
