Just wondering what everyone thought...
Who do you think is the next D III football Demigod who will make it to stardom? We've had a few conversations about this while watching a game and it inspired me to get a second opinion.
My view: Kyle Kensing, anyone?
Thanks!
Justin Feaster, QB Hardin Simmons. Had a visit from the Rams last season, which went very well. After suffering his season ending injury during the game against Linfeld, he is back stonger and quicker. He has all the qualities to make it to the next level.
Quote from: cowboyfan2 on August 04, 2010, 01:37:39 PM
Justin Feaster, QB Hardin Simmons. Had a visit from the Rams last season, which went very well. After suffering his season ending injury during the game against Linfeld, he is back stonger and quicker. He has all the qualities to make it to the next level.
Has a DIII QB ever became a star in the NFL? play at the next level is one thing but to become a star.....not likely.
Nothing against Feaster, but I think QB is one of the toughest positions for a DIII player to excel in at the next level.
Quote from: 02 Warhawk on August 04, 2010, 03:44:50 PM
Quote from: cowboyfan2 on August 04, 2010, 01:37:39 PM
Justin Feaster, QB Hardin Simmons. Had a visit from the Rams last season, which went very well. After suffering his season ending injury during the game against Linfeld, he is back stonger and quicker. He has all the qualities to make it to the next level.
Has a DIII QB ever became a star in the NFL? play at the next level is one thing but to become a star.....not likely.
Nothing against Feaster, but I think QB is one of the toughest positions for a DIII player to excel in at the next level.
While it was prior to the formation of d3, Ken Anderson of Augustana (IL) was not only a star at QB, he was MVP one season.
Cecil Short III, wide receiver/Wildcat QB. Man of many talents and at least as fast (track speed) as Pierre Garcon. Back to get one more year of seasoning.
Quote from: 02 Warhawk on August 04, 2010, 03:44:50 PM
Quote from: cowboyfan2 on August 04, 2010, 01:37:39 PM
Justin Feaster, QB Hardin Simmons. Had a visit from the Rams last season, which went very well. After suffering his season ending injury during the game against Linfeld, he is back stonger and quicker. He has all the qualities to make it to the next level.
Has a DIII QB ever became a star in the NFL? play at the next level is one thing but to become a star.....not likely.
Nothing against Feaster, but I think QB is one of the toughest positions for a DIII player to excel in at the next level.
I thought Elliot from Linfield would do well as he had previously been a D1 Starter at Utah, but even he didn't make it.
Quote from: Manuel Willocq on August 04, 2010, 10:56:49 PM
Quote from: 02 Warhawk on August 04, 2010, 03:44:50 PM
Quote from: cowboyfan2 on August 04, 2010, 01:37:39 PM
Justin Feaster, QB Hardin Simmons. Had a visit from the Rams last season, which went very well. After suffering his season ending injury during the game against Linfeld, he is back stonger and quicker. He has all the qualities to make it to the next level.
Has a DIII QB ever became a star in the NFL? play at the next level is one thing but to become a star.....not likely.
Nothing against Feaster, but I think QB is one of the toughest positions for a DIII player to excel in at the next level.
I thought Elliot from Linfield would do well as he had previously been a D1 Starter at Utah, but even he didn't make it.
That's why I think any QB from DIII will have a VERY hard time making in the NFL.
I guess it depends how you define a "star".
Is London Fletcher a star? Maybe. I'd consider him a good, reliable veteran, but not a star. He did make a Pro Bowl this year, but I don't know if that honor means as much as it used to mean.
Is Pierre Garcon a star? Not yet, but it appears he may be capable of that in the future.
By what I think of as a "star" I don't think any D-III player has ever been an NFL star.
Quote from: Just Bill on August 06, 2010, 11:28:42 AM
I guess it depends how you define a "star".
Is London Fletcher a star? Maybe. I'd consider him a good, reliable veteran, but not a star. He did make a Pro Bowl this year, but I don't know if that honor means as much as it used to mean.
Is Pierre Garcon a star? Not yet, but it appears he may be capable of that in the future.
By what I think of as a "star" I don't think any D-III player has ever been an NFL star.
Sam Mills was a star.
Only true "stars" I can remember from D3 are Kenny Anderson and Sam Mills. There are some good D3 players, but stars are hard to come by.
Thinking of guys with a shot, Kyle Miller TE (6-6", 265 lbs) from Mount has the measurables to get a try out.
Quote from: HScoach on August 06, 2010, 08:30:35 PM
Only true "stars" I can remember from D3 are Kenny Anderson and Sam Mills. There are some good D3 players, but stars are hard to come by.
Thinking of guys with a shot, Kyle Miller TE (6-6", 265 lbs) from Mount has the measurables to get a try out.
And to be perfectly precise (since Pat has a conniption if I refer to Jack Sikma as d3 (NBA all-star from IWU when they were still d3/NAIA!) :D), Kenny Anderson actually predates d3. As far as I know, Augie was playing d3 rules back then, but d3 didn't yet exist.
Does anybody remember Dave Krieg from the Seahawks and a bunch of other NFL teams? He went to Milton College (WI), class of 1980. The school closed in 1982. I don't know if Milton was DIII or NAIA in those days -- anybody know? He had a pretty good career for an undrafted free-agent from an obsure place.
Looks like Milton was a member of the Illini-Badger Football Conference from 1976-1982, which was a DIII conference.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illini-Badger_Football_Conference
Quote from: Manuel Willocq on August 08, 2010, 12:35:32 AM
Looks like Milton was a member of the Illini-Badger Football Conference from 1976-1982, which was a DIII conference.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illini-Badger_Football_Conference
Thanks, Manuel -- if that is confirmation, I think it's quite possible he could be considered highly for the greatest DIII (from the era), professional QB of all time. A 3 x Pro Bowl selection and top 15 career numbers in most passing categories. No one else comes close, IMO. He spent 19 years in the NFL as an undrafted FA. To his credit, he stuck around and was productive until the end. He's part of the Seahawks Ring of Fame, too. Unless someone else surfaces that no one is aware of, this may be the guy!! :-\
Chris Warren, too, also a Seahawk and a running back from Ferrum.
Pete Metzelaars - Wabash
While not a star had a solid career. He played in 4 Super Bowls. Don't know how many Div. III players have actually played in more.
Metzelaars finished his 16 NFL seasons with 383 receptions for 3,686 yards and 29 touchdowns in 235 games. At the time of his retirement, his 235 games were the most ever played by a tight end in NFL history.
Once again not a star career like Anderson and Mills had. Closer to a London Fletcher type career.
Prior to DIII - NAIA players for Prairie View that played SJU for the championship in 1963:
Ken Houston - Hall of Fame & many time Pro Bowl DB
Otis Taylor - several time Pro Bowl WR
were certainly stars.
Jimmy Kearney who was QB on the same team played DB (I think) in the NFL for 12 years.
I think that team also had a couple of others that played in the NFL.
Lest we forget, that was St John's first National Championship. ;)
Quote from: retagent on August 09, 2010, 04:34:57 PM
Lest we forget, that was St John's first National Championship. ;)
And after the 2003 Stagg Bowl, John told me that it was probably his favorite championship. He gave me such a good quote on it that I used it in my lead in the story I wrote for USA Today.
Quote from: 57Johnnie on August 09, 2010, 04:06:41 PM
Prior to DIII - NAIA players for Prairie View that played SJU for the championship in 1963:
Ken Houston - Hall of Fame & many time Pro Bowl DB
Otis Taylor - several time Pro Bowl WR
were certainly stars.
Jimmy Kearney who was QB on the same team played DB (I think) in the NFL for 12 years.
I think that team also had a couple of others that played in the NFL.
Ah but they do not count, just as Jack Sikma does not count. ;D
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 09, 2010, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: 57Johnnie on August 09, 2010, 04:06:41 PM
Prior to DIII - NAIA players for Prairie View that played SJU for the championship in 1963:
Ken Houston - Hall of Fame & many time Pro Bowl DB
Otis Taylor - several time Pro Bowl WR
were certainly stars.
Jimmy Kearney who was QB on the same team played DB (I think) in the NFL for 12 years.
I think that team also had a couple of others that played in the NFL.
Ah but they do not count, just as Jack Sikma does not count. ;D
Note that I very carefully prefaced the Kenny Anderson mention by saying he was pre-d3! ;) (Though, as far as I know, Augie was playing by at least essentially d3 rules.)
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on August 09, 2010, 09:01:36 PM
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 09, 2010, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: 57Johnnie on August 09, 2010, 04:06:41 PM
Prior to DIII - NAIA players for Prairie View that played SJU for the championship in 1963:
Ken Houston - Hall of Fame & many time Pro Bowl DB
Otis Taylor - several time Pro Bowl WR
were certainly stars.
Jimmy Kearney who was QB on the same team played DB (I think) in the NFL for 12 years.
I think that team also had a couple of others that played in the NFL.
Ah but they do not count, just as Jack Sikma does not count. ;D
Note that I very carefully prefaced the Kenny Anderson mention by saying he was pre-d3! ;) (Though, as far as I know, Augie was playing by at least essentially d3 rules.)
I believe at that time the NCAA still barely had rules.
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 09, 2010, 09:56:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on August 09, 2010, 09:01:36 PM
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 09, 2010, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: 57Johnnie on August 09, 2010, 04:06:41 PM
Prior to DIII - NAIA players for Prairie View that played SJU for the championship in 1963:
Ken Houston - Hall of Fame & many time Pro Bowl DB
Otis Taylor - several time Pro Bowl WR
were certainly stars.
Jimmy Kearney who was QB on the same team played DB (I think) in the NFL for 12 years.
I think that team also had a couple of others that played in the NFL.
Ah but they do not count, just as Jack Sikma does not count. ;D
Note that I very carefully prefaced the Kenny Anderson mention by saying he was pre-d3! ;) (Though, as far as I know, Augie was playing by at least essentially d3 rules.)
I believe at that time the NCAA still barely had rules.
But the CCIW did, and to the best of my knowledge they were very similar to d3 rules.
That's why, in my heart, Jack Sikma still counts as a quasi-d3 player (though, fear not, I've long-since thrown in the towel on that debate ;D)!
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on August 09, 2010, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 09, 2010, 09:56:01 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on August 09, 2010, 09:01:36 PM
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 09, 2010, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: 57Johnnie on August 09, 2010, 04:06:41 PM
Prior to DIII - NAIA players for Prairie View that played SJU for the championship in 1963:
Ken Houston - Hall of Fame & many time Pro Bowl DB
Otis Taylor - several time Pro Bowl WR
were certainly stars.
Jimmy Kearney who was QB on the same team played DB (I think) in the NFL for 12 years.
I think that team also had a couple of others that played in the NFL.
Ah but they do not count, just as Jack Sikma does not count. ;D
Note that I very carefully prefaced the Kenny Anderson mention by saying he was pre-d3! ;) (Though, as far as I know, Augie was playing by at least essentially d3 rules.)
I believe at that time the NCAA still barely had rules.
But the CCIW did, and to the best of my knowledge they were very similar to d3 rules.
That's why, in my heart, Jack Sikma still counts as a quasi-d3 player (though, fear not, I've long-since thrown in the towel on that debate ;D)!
I was talking early 60's NCAA.
Quote from: Knightstalker on August 06, 2010, 11:47:06 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on August 06, 2010, 11:28:42 AM
I guess it depends how you define a "star".
Is London Fletcher a star? Maybe. I'd consider him a good, reliable veteran, but not a star. He did make a Pro Bowl this year, but I don't know if that honor means as much as it used to mean.
Is Pierre Garcon a star? Not yet, but it appears he may be capable of that in the future.
By what I think of as a "star" I don't think any D-III player has ever been an NFL star.
Sam Mills was a star.
My thought exactly.
This is becoming another "hey look who played in D3" thread. We have a few of those.
Back to the original topic, I do think D3 guys tend to have a better chance at certain positions. In addition to Brett Elliott, I thought Jason Boltus of Hartwick had a chance at QB, but the QBs seem to be longshots.
I guess we all are.
As for who I think, I'll say Andy Studebaker. At least the Wheaton grad is already in the league :)
No player who played for a college team which was D3 when he played is in the Pro HOF.
Quote from: frank uible on August 24, 2010, 08:17:46 PM
No player who played for a college team which was D3 when he played is in the Pro HOF.
I take it from the careful way that you stated it that Coe was not D III when Levy played there.
Quote from: frank uible on August 24, 2010, 08:17:46 PM
No player who played for a college team which was D3 when he played is in the Pro HOF.
That's not a very big sample size. There are 253 Hall of Famers, many of whom predate 37-year-old D3.
Nor would we expect the smallest schools to produce the best players. If the qualification is still "star," it's possible.
Anyway, there are quite a few D3 connections in the NFL. Belichick, Mangini, Spagnuolo, Jeff Jadogzinski, Phil Savage, etc. ... Even Holmgren has his D3 link.
We've nerded out about this in ATNs and other threads, have we not?
Quote from: frank uible on August 24, 2010, 08:17:46 PM
No player who played for a college team which was D3 when he played is in the Pro HOF.
On the other hand, vanishly few players "who played for a college team which was D3 when he played" have been eligible for the HoF. D3 is not that old, and a number of D3 teams (now) were even later members. With full rides available for all OBVIOUS potential HoF players, this is unlikely to change anytime soon.
IMO Kenny Anderson (Augustana, playing essentially D3 rules before D3 existed) was a borderline HoF player.
And IMO Pete Metzelaars (Wabash) at least deserved serious consideration. 16 years and the most ever games by a tight end (at least at the time of his retirement - not sure if he still has the record) ought to be worth something.
Levy played at Coe in the 40s - besides he was admitted to the Pro HOF as a coach, not a player, having never played pro ball. D3 didn't come into existence until 1973.
Quote from: K-Mack on August 24, 2010, 10:08:25 PM
Quote from: frank uible on August 24, 2010, 08:17:46 PM
No player who played for a college team which was D3 when he played is in the Pro HOF.
Anyway, there are quite a few D3 connections in the NFL. Belichick, Mangini, Spagnuolo, Jeff Jadogzinski, Phil Savage, etc. ... Even Holmgren has his D3 link.
Josh McDaniels
On a side note Garcon caught a TD pass 22 seconds into the game for the Colts against the Packers.
Anybody know if SLU's Gerard Bryant got picked up by a pro team?
One of the people I work with talked about Gerard Bryant getting picked up... not too sure. I did a quick search online and it didn't bring anything up.
Wish I could be of more help.