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.
Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
One of the premier linemen from the FCS level, Charles Grant has been as advertised early in 2024. A fluid-moving athlete with the size, length (verified 35s on the arm), and nuance to challenge for a starting role at the next level, he has a legitimate shot to hear his name called in the top 100 selections if all comes to fruition. He’s remained on scouts’ radars for multiple years now, and competing at a pre-draft showcase this winter would only help in locking in his evaluation.
William & Mary OT Charles Grant.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 3, 2024
Verified 35s on the arm & low 1.4s (!) on his 10-yd split highlight his explosiveness. pic.twitter.com/llGcNQDTgq
Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State
Grey Zabel is another draft, another product from the NFL pipeline that is North Dakota State. A powerhouse program at the FCS level, Zabel is its headlining prospect in the 2025 class out at left tackle. There have been early conversations about him moving to guard at the next level—–similar to Cody Mauch a few years ago—but he’s as good as it comes in the country as far as tackle play. In seven games thus far, Zabel hasn’t allowed a sack or a QB hit in 211 snaps in pass pro.
Kayvon Britten, RB, Tarleton State
Kayvon Britten’s production so far in 2024 has been similar to what Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty has done at the FBS level. Through seven games, Britten has rushed for 1,145 yards (7.2 yards per carry) with 12 TDs, 11 of them coming in the last four games. A former transfer from Arkansas Pine-Bluff, Britten has gone over 130 yards in all but one game in 2024, including a 273-yard, four-touchdown performance against North Alabama in Week 4.
TJ Moore, DB, Mercer
The FCS leader in interceptions through seven weeks (5), TJ Moore’s most recent performance against Princeton gets him the nod here. In what was a historic day, Moore recorded three picks and allowed just two catches on six targets against the Tigers. A former quarterback and wide receiver at the prep level, Moore is a ball-hawking defender at the FCS level who has drawn some eyes this fall.
