Big Sky Conference

Collection of former Big Sky stars harbor NFL hopes

on

Editor’s Note: This story is part of a Skyline Sports featuring the top NFL Draft prospects coming out of the Big Sky this season. Scroll through to find sections on players from Eastern Washington, Montana, Montana State, Portland State, Weber State, Northern Colorado and Southern Utah.

The bottom of this story features a list of players who could earn shots as undrafted free agents with the completion of the NFL Draft on Sunday. Click here for features on MSU’s J.P. Flynn, Chad Newell & John Walker, Montana’s Brady Gustafson & Caleb Kidder and more starting on April 28. 

 Will Caleb Kidder become the next great Griz defensive end to become an NFL Draft pick? Is Brady Gustafson the next FCS quarterback to get a shot in the league? Did Yamen Sanders turn enough heads with his freakish Pro Day?

Will a team take a chance on fast-rising edge rusher Samson Ebukam? Was Kyle Sloter’s meteoric rise enough to garner being one of 253 names called? Did stalwart league standouts like J.P. Flynn, Xavier Coleman, Kendrick Bourne and Tre’Von Johnson do enough to hear their names called Saturday afternoon? Will someone take a flyer on J.R. Nelson?

Will Cooper Kupp make history by becoming the first Big Sky player since 1986 to be picked in the first round?

All those questions and countless more will be answered over the next three days. The NFL Draft begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday night. And if Kupp, the peerless four-time All-American record-setting wide receiver from Eastern Washington, hears NFL commissioner Roger Goodell read his name, he will be the first player since Northern Arizona’s Shawn Collins to be drafted in the first round.

Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp battles fellow NFL hopeful John Walker of Montana State last season/ by Brooks Nuanez

Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp battles fellow NFL hopeful John Walker of Montana State last season/ by Brooks Nuanez

Kupp is among a small group of Big Sky players who could be drafted over the next three days, although most of the other hopefuls will likely hear from NFL teams Sunday as either late-round selections, undrafted free agents or rookie mini camp invitees.

Kupp made the Big Sky his own as a freshman in 2012 during EWU’s undefeated run through the league en route to a semifinal berth in the FCS playoffs. He then consistently dominated for the duration of his career, winning two straight Big Sky Offensive MVP awards and the 2015 Walter Payton Award while shattering the conference and FCS all-time marks for catches (428), yards (6,464) and touchdowns (73), leaving a legacy as a league legend in the process.

RELATED: DEFINING HIS OWN LEGACY: Kupp returns to EWU for relationships, not records

The savvy, tough pass catcher moved all over the field in Beau Baldwin’s FCS-best passing offense throughout his career. Kupp caught 12 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns as EWU opened last season with a 45-42 win over Washington State, the second Pac 12 victory in four career Pac 12 games for Kupp and the Eagles. He reeled in 15 catches for 246 yards and three touchdowns in EWU’s 61-42 loss to Oregon to open the 2015 season, eight catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns in a 59-52 loss at Washington in 2014 and five catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns in his college football debut, a 49-46 win at No. 25 Oregon State.

His stock has risen to the point that Kupp showed up to Eastern Washington’s pro day decked out in Nike gear. EWU is an ADIDAS school, so the wardrobe change signaled bigger things. Wednesday, a source close to a Nike representative confirmed Kupp did his first Nike photo shoot in Portland earlier this week. The 6-foot-2, 209-pounder could hear his name called as early as the late first round, but is more likely to be picked between the 40th and 75th pick in Friday’s second and third rounds.

Bourne hopes to join Kupp as draftee

EWU wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (11) in 2015/by Evan Frost for Skyline Sports

EWU wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (11) in 2015/by Evan Frost for Skyline Sports

Kupp, Ebukam and Bourne helped the Eagles to three Big Sky titles over the last four years. The Eagles capped 2013 and 2016 with a collection of playoff wins to reach the FCS Final Four. Each has had action-packed off-seasons following losing in heart-breaking fashion on a last-second touchdown to Youngstown State on their home field in December in this year’s semis.

Kupp, a native of Yakima who’s grandfather and father both played in the NFL, affirmed speculation when he ran 4.62 seconds in the 40-yard dash and registered a 31-inch vertical at the combine. But he showed tremendous agility and change of direction with top-5 times in the 20-yard shuttle (4.08) and the 3-cone drill (6.75). He rectified his 40 time, even if slightly, by running a 4.5 40 and impressing with his route running at EWU’s pro day.

“He’s earned it every second of every single day,” new Eastern head coach Aaron Best said in a press release. “He’s worked as if he was the last man on the roster from the first day he got here. His work ethic is unmatched.”

Bourne, a three-time All-Big Sky selection, was somewhat overshadowed by Kupp despite catching 25 career touchdowns and posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to finish his career. He didn’t do himself any favors at the NFL Combine — he ran 4.68 seconds in the 40-yard dash — but his 6-2, 203-pound frame, his strong hands and his pro-level ball skills still means he’ll make a roster even if he doesn’t see his name pop up on the board in the seventh round.

Kupp and Bourne did not return messages requesting interviews for this story.

Coleman’s pro day helps boost NFL draft dreams

Portland State cornerback Xavier Coleman/ contributed

Portland State cornerback Xavier Coleman (38)/ contributed

Coleman would’ve had a better chance to become a well-known Big Sky name if not for being overshadowed by Patrick Onwuasor during Portland State’s dream season in 2015. The man those close to him call “Peanut” led the FCS with nine interceptions and finished third in the FCS Defensive Player of the Year voting after PSU ripped off nine wins, including two FBS upsets, during a historic campaign.

The physical, experienced Coleman had five interceptions during his second-team all-league junior year at cornerback next to Onwuasor in 2015. He followed it up with two interceptions and five pass breakups even with defenses throwing away from him during PSU’s disappointing 3-8 season last.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Portland native spent the last three months training with renowned Orlando-based speed coach Tom Shaw. The dividends of his training showed when he ran 4.48 in the 40 on his pro day. He also posted a 40-inch vertical, a 4.13 in the short shuttle and 6.86 in the three-cone drill.

“Coach Shaw is the man,” Coleman said. “He has a mix with a lot of pro guys coming in an a mix of a whole bunch of guys about to be rookies. He has a lot of knowledge. We had (longtime NFL running back) Chris Johnson come in one day and coach us up on how to run the 40. You get a whole bunch of different perspectives.”

RELATED: Xavier Coleman HERO Sports feature

The 35-game starter notched nine interceptions and 32 pass breakups in four years as a starter for the Vikings. He was a track star during his prep days at local Jesuit High School, so the speed and explosiveness training required came easy to Coleman. Now he hopes to join Onwuasor, now a linebacker on Baltimore’s active roster, in the league.

“I have no idea what to expect but I’m in a good place right now,” Coleman said. “I’m just taking it day by day. I put in the work. I did everything I could so whatever call comes in, when it happens, it is what it is. All I need is my shot.”

Ebukam among fastest risers in this year’s draft

Eastern Washington senior Samson Ebukam/ by Jason Bacaj

Eastern Washington senior Samson Ebukam/ by Jason Bacaj

Ebukam might’ve not gotten a Combine invite like his teammates — Kupp and Bourne were the only Big Sky players who did — but he turned as many heads as any FCS player with his eye-opening pro day. After a productive career that included three All-Big Sky selections, 44 tackles for loss and 24 sacks, Ebukam boosted his stock even more.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound 2016 All-American earned serious attention by running a 4.45 40, faster than his All-American wide receiver teammates despite his rush end status. He also notched a 39-inch vertical, 10-foot-10 broad jump and did 24 repetitions at 225 pounds on the bench press. He is projected as a third-day selection.

RELATED: Defense stifles Richmond, EWU moves into FCS semis

“I’m not as surprised with Samson’s journey as some people are, because I’ve had to coach the players who have had to try to block him the last few years,” said Best, EWU’s former offensive line coach. “And it hasn’t been fun. I’ve always told him to wreak the same havoc on our Big Sky and non-conference opponents. He’s a very kind gentleman with a big heart, but when he puts the pads on all of the sudden he’s a different animal.”

Griz could add to Montana’s NFL lineage

Kidder improved his stock with a stellar performance on UM’s pro day, as did Sanders. After a year of trying to fulfill unwanted hype, Gustafson helps his stock hold steady in the months leading up to the draft. The three former Griz could help UM add to its storied history of sending players to the NFL.

A Griz drafted would be the 49th in program history, including the 12th since 2004 alone. Montana has consistently produced NFL-caliber defensive linemen, from 2007 Buck Buchanan Award winner Kroy Biermann (5th round by Atlanta Falcons) to 2015 Buck winner Tyrone Holmes, a sixth-round pick last spring. Defensive end Zack Wagenmann, the 2014 Big Sky Defensive MVP, handed Montana’s hallowed No. 37 jersey to Kidder before signing a free agent deal the Arizona Cardinals.

Gustafson likely has the best chance because of his 6-foot-7 frame, his arm strength, his ability to grasp complicated offensive schemes quickly and his comfort with making adjustments at the line of scrimmage after two years as the starter in Bob Stitt’s spread offense.

UM quarterback Brady Gustafson vs. NDSU/by Brooks Nuanez

UM quarterback Brady Gustafson vs. NDSU/by Brooks Nuanez

The Billings West product started building NFL hype in his first career start, Stitt’s debut as the Griz head coach. The Griz kicked off the Stitt era with a 38-35 win over four-time reigning FCS national champion North Dakota State. Gustafson threw for 434 yards and three touchdowns, earning a win over eventual No. 2 overall pick quarterback Carson Wentz, although the Philadelphia Eagles’ starter missed the second half of the Montana loss with an ankle injury.

Gustafson threw 25 touchdowns as a senior but missed time with an injury for the second straight year. The comparisons to Wentz and the projections as a draft pick on the first two days have died down. But Gustafson has been ranked among the top 10 QB prospects in the draft by a few outlets as recently as March and could sneak into the last rounds of the draft.

“It’s really exciting to be in this situation,” Gustafson said. “You ask me a couple of years ago and I never would’ve thought I’d be where I am now. I’m thankful and excited. Right now, I really don’t have any stressers because it’s out of my hands. So much of my future is dependent on this weekend but it’s out of my control so I will just stay positive. I’m certainly excited to watch this weekend.”

Kidder increased his chances on UM’s pro day, running a 4.71 in the 40 and putting up 30 reps on the bench press at 6-foot-5 and 269 pounds. The Helena native also has position versatility, earning All-Big Sky honors as a defensive tackle in 2014 and 2015 before shifting to defensive end as a senior in Jason Semore’s first year as the Griz defensive coordinator.

Montana defensive end Caleb Kidder (37) /by Brooks Nuanez

Montana defensive end Caleb Kidder (37) /by Brooks Nuanez

Kidder could play defensive end in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme and could also move to standup outside linebacker in a 3-4. He worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks through a battery of drills challenging Kidder to move in space during UM’s pro day. He also had a confirmed meeting with the Green Bay Packers leading up to the draft. The Chiefs have a need on the defensive line and run a 3-4 scheme.

“I feel like that’s the type of player I am, is being versatile,” Kidder told Derek Buerkle of MTN Sports television following his pro day. “So if they want me to do linebacker drills, I’ll do linebacker drills. If they want me to do d-line drills, I’ll do that too.”

Sanders, a former transfer from Arizona who spent his last two seasons as an intimidating if not inconsistent performer at safety for Montana, showed his raw talent in front of the eight scouts in Missoula. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds of ripped muscle, Sanders ran a 4.56 in the 40, notched a 42-inch vertical and a 10-4 broad jump and pumped out 24 reps on the bench.

Sanders’ 40 time is the same as LSU safety Jamal Adams, a projected Top 3 pick, albeit Sanders’ sprint was hand timed while Adams’ was electronically timed at the combine. No safety did more than 20 reps at the combine, while just two safeties bested Sanders’ vertical leap.

RELATED: Sanders finds his home in Montana secondary 

UM cornerback JR Nelson intercepts a pass vs. EWU/by Evan Frost

UM cornerback JR Nelson intercepts a pass vs. EWU/by Evan Frost

Nelson gave his stock a shot in the arm at UM’s pro day. The 6-foot-1, 187-pounder ran a 4.47 in the 40 and notched a 38-inch vertical, both top level numbers for available corners. It’s unlikely he is drafted considering Nelson missed UM’s first six games because of a suspension because of a failed drug test. But he will find himself in a training camp soon.

Sloter’s raw talent helps him become NFL prospect

Through the tutoring of well known quarterback guru Steve Fairchild, Sloter saw his draft chances rise as rapidly as any Big Sky player other than Ebukam. The 6-foot-4, 221-pounder showed his rocket arm and elite athleticism — he earned game reps at wide receiver at FBS Southern Miss before transferring to Northern Colorado in 2015 — has been in contact with more than 20 of teams after standout pro days at UNC and Colorado in Boulder.

Sloter, who claims Atlanta as his hometown, committed to play for Larry Fedora after Southern Miss’s 12-2 season in 2011. But Fedora left to take the head job at North Carolina. The Golden Eagles went 0-12 in Ellis Johnson’s first season, Sloter’s redshirt year. Johnson was fired, Todd Monken took over and moved Sloter to wide receiver.

Fast forward to his transfer to Northern Colorado. Sloter lost UNC’s quarterback battle by a narrow margin to redshirt freshman Jacob Knipp before the 2015 season. Sloter dabbled at wide receiver again while serving as Knipp’s backup.

UNC quarterback Kyle Sloter/by of UNC athletics

UNC quarterback Kyle Sloter/by of UNC athletics

Knipp suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in second game against Abilene Christian. Sloter came off the bench to earn FCS National Player of the Week honors thanks to 407 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and a 22-yard rushing touchdown. He went on to lead Northern Colorado to its first winning record (6-5) in its Division I history by throwing for 2,665 yards and 29 touchdowns.

During his pro day and subsequent workouts, Sloter showed the speed that allowed him to start a few games at wide receiver early in his college career by running a 4.51 in the 40. He also showed arm strength that registered at 59 miles per hour during one work out, a velocity exceeding top prospects like North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, Cal’s Davis Webb and Clemson’s DeShaun Watson.

Sloter graduated from Northern Colorado with a degree in business finance on Tuesday before embarking on a cross-country road trip. He will anxiously watch the draft with family and friends in Atlanta this weekend.

“I’ve talked to about 20 teams and I actually just got off the phone with four of them who called over the last hour alone,” Sloter said in the middle of his drive on Tuesday. “I think there’s a really good possibility but at the same time, I’m one of those guys who whatever opportunity presents itself, I’ll be happy with because I know where I was a year ago. I was looking at graduating and becoming a financial adviser so being in this spot, having done the most with my opportunity and being able to sit here today and be a draft pick or a free agent is a blessing in itself.”

Sloter/contributed

Sloter/contributed

Sloter is rated anywhere from a 5th to 7th-round pick or as an undrafted free agent. But his unorthodox career gives him an alibi for only having one year as a starter under his belt and for playing in the FCS. It remains to be seen how big a chance an NFL team will take on him, but he will surely get a shot to prove himself.

“If I don’t get drafted, the gathering will be a celebration of where I was and how far I’ve come, graduating and all that good stuff,” Sloter said. “Getting drafted would be a dream come true but at the same time, there’s a lot of reason to celebrate. And it sounds like I’ll get an opportunity free agent wise no matter what so I’m excited for the opportunities that are ahead.”

Weber’s Johnson, MSU’s Newell & Flynn banking on Sunday calls

Weber State linebacker Tre'Von Johnson/ by Brooks Nuanez

Weber State linebacker Tre’Von Johnson/ by Brooks Nuanez

Johnson, a two-time All-Big Sky pick at outside linebacker after originally coming to Weber State as a safety, is in the same boat as Flynn and Newell, Montana State’s standout captains. Johnson earned recognition by running a 4.5 in the 40 and showing teams he might be able to fit in as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

“It will be the best feeling and I might cry, no I’m going to cry because out of high school, I only had two offers: Weber State and Southern Utah,” Johnson said. “To even be in this situation where I have NFL teams calling my phone is still crazy to me, mind blowing. It doesn’t feel real. I can’t wait to get that phone call from a team and be able to play football again.

Newell, a 6-foot-2, 215-pounder who earned All-Big Sky accolades as a fullback, running back and special teams standout after walking on to MSU out of Billings Senior, does not harbor false hopes this weekend. But Newell is confident he put in enough work to receive a phone call at some point Saturday.

“I’m nervous,” said Newell, who scored 32 rushing touchdowns in his MSU career, second in program history. “I feel like I’m going to land some place but I just don’t know where. Not knowing for sure where your future is head is hard. But I’m excited for what’s next.”

RELATED: WOUNDED WARRIOR: Newell battles through pain to become Bobcat great

Montana State senior guard JP Flynn /by Brooks Nuanez

Montana State senior guard JP Flynn /by Brooks Nuanez

Flynn, a 6-foot-5, 314-pound offensive lineman, has been one of the Big Sky’s best offensive lineman throughout his career. He earned All-Big Sky honors at right tackle as a redshirt freshman, All-American honors as a guard as a sophomore and a senior. His agility, football IQ and confident attitude should give him a shot to hear from NFL teams.

“They like that the athleticism I bring, the head for the game and the experience I brought from college,” said Flynn, who has consistently been in contact with six NFL teams including the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks. “I’m excited to get my chance in a camp to show what I can do.”

RELATED: ROAD TO REVIVAL: With career in limbo, Flynn decided to fight

Other Big Sky players who could sneak into the last round of the draft include Portland State guard Cam Keizur, who did 29 bench reps and notched a 35.5-inch vertical on his pro day, and Southern Utah cornerback Josh Thornton, who ran a 4.34 40 on his pro day and has had private workouts with several NFL teams.

Thornton is part of another contingent of Southern Utah prospects. Four years after quarterback Brad Sorensen was selected in the 7th round by the San Diego Chargers and a year after both safety Miles Killebrew (Detroit) and cornerback LeShaun Sims (Tennessee) were drafted, Thornton is among five T-Birds with pro aspirations. The others are 6-foot-6 punter Tate Lewis, 6-foot-7 tight end Stephen Wroblewksi, three-time All-Big Sky wide receiver Mike Sharp , speedy running back Malik Brown and intriguing athlete Raysean Pringle (4.4-second 40).

SUU running back Malik Brown (4) in 2015/by Brooks Nuanez

SUU running back Malik Brown (4) in 2015/by Brooks Nuanez

“I’m hoping we have four or five guys get free agent calls at least,” SUU second-year head coach Demario Warren said. “I don’t know about the draft and you never know until draft day. Last year, everyone was crossing their fingers, then two of our guys went off the board and the guy we thought was going to get drafted (Big Sky Defensive MVP James Cowser) didn’t get drafted. You never know but we are excited about the possibility.

“This is a huge day for our guys and players around the league.”

Other Big Sky players who could receive phone calls from NFL teams as either undrafted free agents or invitees to rookie mini camps include:

  • Shaq Hill, wide receiver, Eastern Washington
  • Jackson Thiebes, offensive line, Montana
  • John Walker, cornerback, Montana State
  • Joey Counts, running back, Montana
  • Calvin Steyn, offensive line, Weber State
  • Cameron Young, offensive line Weber State
  • Josh Burton, safety, Weber State
  • Maximo Espitia, fullback, Portland State
  • Jonathan Gonzalez, kicker, Portland State
  • Siupeli Anau, defensive end, Northern Arizona
  • Stephen Miller, wide receiver, Northern Colorado
  • Michael Coe, center, North Dakota
  • Josh Letuligasenoa, outside linebacker, Cal Poly
  • Marcus Paige-Allen, defensive tackle, Cal Poly
  • Kori Garcia, running back, Cal Poly
  • Jordan Robinson, running back, Sacramento State
  • Zak Pettit, defensive lineman, UC Davis

Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.

About Colter Nuanez

Colter Nuanez is the co-founder and senior writer for Skyline Sports. After spending six years in the newspaper industry with stops at the Missoulian, the Ellensburg Daily Record and the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, the former Washington Newspaper Association Sportswriter of the Year and University of Montana Journalism School graduate ('09) has cultivated a deep passion for sports journalism during his 13-year career covering the Big Sky Conference. In August of 2014, Colter and brother Brooks merged their passions of writing and art to found Skyline Sports.

Recommended for you