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.
David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
Walker has been mentioned in this piece before and he’ll likely find his way on it again before we reach the showcase phase of the pre-draft process. One of the country’s premier pass rushers, regardless of level, Walker has 12 pressures in the last two weeks combined and has become an unblockable force at 5-tech.
TJ Moore, DB, Mercer
The FCS leader in interceptions through eight 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.
Frankie Monte, LB, Holy Cross
Aggressive and instinctive. Two words to describe Frankie Monte, a three-year contributor to the Holy Cross defense. A preseason All-Patriot League selection, Monte is a primary early down ‘backer who projects as a potential special teams contributor down the line.
Malcolm Reed, SAF, North Carolina Central
A native of nearby Raleigh, North Carolina, Malcolm Reed leads all FCS safeties in PBUs (7) through eight weeks. When targeted, he’s allowed minimal catches and yards in space, and his name has continued to circulate as one of the rising defenders among the HBCU ranks. He’s also been impactful on special teams in his career with 234 snaps under his belt.
