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 rendition of ‘FCS Friday’, a piece that will update weekly as names continue to flash during the fall.
Jeff Caldwell, WR, Lindenwood
Caldwell is a big, physical kid at 6-foot-5 that has only gotten better and better as the season has wore on. He’s gone over 115 yards in each of the last three weeks, which has seen him reach the endzone seven times in that same period. Lindenwood, a private University in St. Louis, Missouri, has seen four players earn time in the NFL, most recently in 2019 (DL Jonathan Harris).
Ozzie Hutchinson, OL, Albany
Hutchinson has been battling a foot injury early in the 2024 campaign, but when he’s strapped up, he remains one of the FCS’ premier left tackles. A sixth-year senior, Hutchinson’s experience up front is evident on tape, where his ability to identify stunts/twists and win the leverage point early are positives in his player profile. Getting back to full strength will be important in finalizing his evaluation, and potentially earning him an opportunity at a pre-draft showcase.
Nick Murray, DB, San Diego
Murray has been a joy to watch through the first month of the season. A shutdown defender at either perimeter corner (181 snaps in 2024) or at nickel (47), Murray has allowed just 15 catches on 36 targets for 148 yards. Dating back to his sophomore season in 2022, he’s allowed just two touchdowns as the primary man in coverage (4 INTs) in 796 coverage snaps.
DaJean Wells, CB, East Washington
Nine PBUs in five games paints the picture of just how impactful Wells has been when thrown at this fall. A former standout on the track in high school, Wells’ rapid acceleration and footwork are evident on the outside, and he’s remained as stingy a corner as there is at the FCS level through five games. A native of Seattle, Washington, Wells has given up just 13 receptions on 30 targets against, zero touchdowns allowed, along with five run stops when asked to make plays in the fringe areas. Matchups against WR Efton Chism III in practice will only allow Wells to continue to evolve as the season progresses.
