NFL Draft 2023: FCS Friday - October 14th

NFL DRAFT 2023: FCS FRIDAY - OCTOBER 14TH

By Rebecca Rennie

The more film watched this season, the more this FCS wide receiver class stands out. There were at least five that could have easily been included this week. Many more have also impressed over the past few weeks. The number of pass catchers that could make NFL rosters and practice squads is impressive.

One of the receivers most likely to hear his name as a draft pick in 2023 leads off this week’s FCS Friday article. Another features as a player to watch in the biggest matchup this Saturday. We also include a physical edge defender, versatile back and highly productive linebacker. Check out some talented small school draft prospects to know below.

ANDREI IOSIVAS

For small school prospects, checking boxes in terms of physical traits and athleticism is a key component of solidifying draft stock, particularly at a position such as wide receiver. Few in this year’s FCS NFL Draft class will match the developmental tools on offer with Princeton wideout Andrei Iosivas. His long and lean frame combines with easy speed and explosiveness that translate to the on-field execution. The Tigers receiver garnered some off-season positive notoriety through his inclusion on this summer’s version of Bruce Feldman’s Freak List. The competitive heptathlete and decathlete is one of the better all-round athletes in college football.

Last weekend, the Ivy League talent put together his most active and productive performance of the season so far. Princeton were relatively comfortable throughout a 23-2 victory over Lafayette. Though held without a touchdown, his ten catches totalled 150 yards on the day. The field-stretching speed was fully on display with a couple downfield catches during the contest. Midway through the second quarter saw Iosivas track the ball well down the left sideline, securing the 35-yard reception just short of the touchdown. That set up a third Princeton score and a 20-0 lead. Lafayette would subsequently take the blocked extra point back for a score, providing their only points for the game.

As impressively as Iosivas can separate deep as he opens his stride, what stood out from the Leopards contest was showcasing that there is much more to his overall game. A 28-yard reception on the opening drive featured great timing on his explosive vertical to high point the ball over coverage. He followed that with sharp execution on an 8-yard dig route within the compacted field space of the Lafayette red zone. Utilizing his burst and agility in space, he took a late second quarter short screen to the end zone that was unfortunately called back by a flag. That run-after-catch ability adds to his threat. A pair of second half grabs were made on a smooth comeback, then a crosser over the middle for a solid gain. Finally, he later took a reception after crossing the backfield that ended just short of the goal line.

The versatile usage and route variety is exciting in combination with the athletic tools and length. He is still technically raw in some of the route precision and footwork that can be refined. Even so, the timing and subtlety of his sells looked improved from 2021 film study. Ultimately, few defensive backs at the FCS level are able to keep with Iosivas as he accelerates clear of coverage. Faced with press man off the line, the Tigers standout flashes effective use of hands to deflect early contact. He may be lean but is not easy to disrupt at the catch point. The competitiveness when handling physical DBs or when required to block is excellent throughout his play. There is the potential for Iosivas to be a steady riser through the pre-draft process. He’ll look to check further boxes with his testing and at an all-star game early next year.

BREVIN ALLEN

An improving program, the Campbell Fighting Camels have a pair of interesting draft prospects. Offensive lineman Mike Edwards was included in this series earlier in the season. Edge defender Brevin Allen is worthy of highlighting, particularly after an impactful performance against Charleston Southern. Despite an 0-4 record entering the game, the Buccaneers stayed competitive to the end, before Campbell secured the 34-28 victory. On defense, Allen contributed with 4 tackles, including 2.5 for loss with 1 sack and a pass breakup.

Allen didn’t waste any time getting involved, with his pass deflection made on the opening offensive snap for Southern. Attempting a quick pass out to the left, the lineman showed excellent reactions to get his arm up mid-rush. The following series saw Allen win on a quick inside move to provide early access to the backfield. Closing fast, he met the running back immediately after the handoff with a forceful takedown and TFL. Shortly after, the pass rusher proved more flexible than his powerful build suggests. With good hands to aid his progress, Allen was able to dip and turn the corner to beat the opposing left tackle. He was arguably held en route to the quarterback that went uncalled.

A large proportion of Allen’s success comes from strength and physicality. Whether through direct attacks at the point or speed-to-power moves following his initial upfield burst, he is frequently able to overpower offensive lines. That was consistently on show again versus the Buccaneers, particularly an outmatched left tackle. On a 3^rd-and-1 to end the first quarter, Allen’s bull rush on the LT helped collapse the pocket to prevent the first down. Charleston went for it on fourth down, but another inside shift resulted in Allen being one of several Campbell defenders converging to stuff the play and turning the ball over on downs.

After a pass breakup on the opening play, Allen bookended his day with a late-game sack. Deflecting the left tackle’s extended hands, he worked underneath the block attempt. The QB was quickly wrapped up via his lower half for the lost yardage. With bulk, strength and length, Allen has the physical traits that could offer a solid floor for the pro level. He’s at his best when able to get full extension with a strong opening punch to the chest. That allows him to control and dictate movement that assists well in his run defense. When given free reign to rush the passer, his explosion, power and violence can be overwhelming.

JAVON WILLIAMS JR.

While traditionally not widely considered a glamorous position, there are multiple exciting full backs among FCS NFL Draft prospects. North Dakota State’s Hunter Luepke is deserving of his elevated profile and one of the best senior small school players. Southern Illinois’ Javon Williams Jr. is a versatile playmaker in his own right, however. That was proved again in the ultimately convincing win over Missouri State, following a slow start. The majority of his touches came as a runner with 15 carries for 45 yards. While that 3 yards-per-carry doesn’t leap off the stat sheet, the context includes a number of short yardage and goal line conversions. Several crucially timed chunk yardage runs factored into the win.

The versatility was on full display during the opening few drives, despite not all executed to plan. A couple passing targets were incomplete including one that was well broken up. His first carry went for short yardage. A kick return was smothered quickly. Used often on direct snaps and as a QB, he did have a nice 7-yard run after taking the snap. A drop-back to pass followed that he had to throw out of bounds. Meanwhile, the Missouri State Bears opened up a 14-0 lead. Despite the modest results, Williams’ usage as an offensive weapon is fascinating.

Improvements soon followed in the second quarter. Collecting a backward pass from his QB, Williams released a quick second throw to top receiver Avante Cox. The 28-yard catch-and-run set up the Salukis in the red zone and first touchdown drive. Williams showed his well-developed decision-making and footwork on a lateral jump cut and 7-yard gain as a runner. It took a few attempts, but the senior finished off the drive with a direct snap TD run to tie the game. A 17-reception to convert on third down kick-started the following series. The pass catching contributions continued on a 4th-and-5 slant route to move the chains, set up the field goal, and move Southern Illinois into the lead for the first time.

A second touchdown run in the third quarter and several solid gains on the ground helped stretch out and then secure a 38-21 win over the then-19th-ranked Bears. Williams may not have the same level of burst and dynamic movement that Hunter Luepke provides. He also isn’t deployed as often as a lead blocker, an element that would likely be a significant part of his projected role at 245 lbs. That said, the Salukis’ back is reliable, smart and adaptable. He can be entrusted with core special teams duties on all units. An accomplished five-year college career began with an outstanding freshman season that saw him finish third in voting for the prestigious Jerry Rice Award for the top freshman in FCS. Williams will be an intriguing name to watch at an upcoming All-Star event.

WEEK 7 PLAYERS TO WATCH

JAXON JANKE, WR, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE vs North Dakota State

Perhaps the most anticipated regular season game of the year kicks off this weekend. The top two ranked teams will battle in the rivalry matchup of North Dakota State and South Dakota State. Both rosters are loaded with potential pro prospects to watch on Saturday. So much so that it’s difficult to select just one to highlight here. SDSU won out last season and enter this year’s contest in good form. After a narrow win over UC Davis in their first FCS game of the season, they have four straight victories of 14 or more points. Receiver Jaxon Janke is leading the way through the air in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. Twin brother Jadon follows not far behind in each category.

At 6’2, 210 lbs, Janke features a solid build and appears to have long arms for his frame. The combination of catch radius and consistent hands make for a reliable target to multiple levels of the field. Pre-draft testing will be one to watch, but even if he doesn’t put up elite athletic numbers, there’s a fluidity and polish to his movement and route running. There’s smart use of hands and timing on his breaks to assist in working open. Janke’s toughness is evident in traffic, when taking a hit in the process of the catch, or his blocking contributions. The Jackrabbits senior is an interesting name, but expect impactful performances from draft eligible players on both sides of the ball in this fantastic MVFC contest with playoff implications.

STONE SNYDER, LB, VMI vs Chattanooga

One of the most productive downhill defenders in the country, VMI’s Stone Snyder is a fantastic FCS playmaker and a challenging evaluation for the draft. In addition to working as an off-ball inside linebacker, he will also spend significant time working off the edge in pass rush allignments. He piles up tackles, tackles for loss and a good number of sacks in the backfield. He can fly laterally to the sidelines in chasing down ball carriers in space. Conversely, there’s a relatively lesser impact in coverage that might be desired for the next level in offering a complete skill set.

Snyder has yet to register a pass breakup or interception over his four collegiate seasons. In watching his film this year against Wake Forest, Western Carolina and East Tennessee State, he certainly provides more working forward and downhill. The 6’2, 240 lb linebacker’s skill and impact in the box and around the line of scrimmage is undeniable, however. Against Cornell this season, he totalled a ridiculous 19 tackles. His huge 2021 season included 120 tackles and 11 for loss. In 2020, he contributed 8 sacks in 8 games.

His play style combined with a bulky frame can look slightly unconventional as he bullies and bulldozes his way through blockers but it certainly gets results at this level. As a consistent threat in the backfield, he faces an interesting matchup this week against Chattanooga. The Mocs feature one of the top small school linemen in guard McClendon Curtis. The 6’6, 328 lb offensive lineman has elite length and capable of shutting down opponents when his hand placement is on point. Should these two physical forces meet often, it will be one of the best matchups of draft prospects to check out this weekend.

Feature Image Credit: Princeton Athletics.

Rebecca is an NFL Draft analyst focusing primarily on the FCS and Group of Five conferences, and a fan of both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Stanford Cardinal. You can find her other articles here and follow on Twitter @bex_r86.

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NFL Draft 2023: FCS Friday – October 14th