As many know division 3 isnt exactly known for its NFL prospects...however that being said the guys on this site do know all of them. But do we know the numerous ones playing CFL, AFL,IFL and the various other indoor leagues? I started this topic to hopefully get some conversations going on how players make it professionally. Not all of us can be Cecil Shorts nor can we all play in the national championship all 4 years we play. So how do D3 players get scouted? What extra does it take to make the jump?
Since I started posting in '06 five D3 players have been drafted by the NFL -- 1 from Whitworth, 2 from Mt. Union, 1 from UW-Whitewater and 1 from Wheaton-IL , 3 of those 4 schools' recent postseason playoff history is well documented (can't comment on that of Whitworth).
Regardless of whatever league the scout represents (NFL, CFL or Indoor Football Leagues):
A) Would a scout be willing to look at a good D3 prospect if his college team did not qualify for the playoffs?
B) How much would geography fit in (would they be willing to go outside of D1 football hot-beds to look at a player?)
Sure, and not at all.
Not at all meaning geography is not a factor.
Its a tough topic...but take a gander at IFL and other minor Indoor leagues....decent d3 representation and sometimes geography isnt a factor?