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 Saturday viewing schedule, 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.
Zach Calzada, QB, Incarnate Word
A former three-star prep athlete who spent time at Texas A&M and Auburn, Calzada has enjoyed an excellent campaign in 2024. While it failed to work for him in the SEC, Calzada has since thrown for 49 TDs to date for the Cardinal with four 300-plus yard outings this fall. Although his draft projection remains as a potential UDFA who may get an opportunity in camp, it’s good to see former highly recruited players succeed after initial bumps in the road.
Beau Brungard, QB, Youngstown State
The FCS’ premier dual-threat signal-caller, Brungard has more than 3,200 yards from scrimmage to his name this fall. A redshirt sophomore, Brungard enters Week 13 with 28 total TDs under his belt, with eight rushing touchdowns in his last four starts. He’s reached the end zone through the air in six of the last seven games, totaling 1,258 passing yards over the same span (179 YPG).
David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
One of the FCS’ premier prospects, we will see Walker live at the Senior Bowl in just a few months. A player I’ve highlighted before in this piece, Walker enters the homestretch of his final collegiate season with 55 pressures and 10 sacks, and a jetpack attached to his draft stock heading into the winter months.
Carter Guillaume, IOL, Southeast Missouri State (True Freshman)
A former multi-time State champion in wrestling, Guillaume has been as stingy an offensive lineman in pass pro as there is in the country. Just a true freshman, Guillaume has failed to allow a sack in 529 pass pro snaps and has given up just six pressures all of 2024. A program that has seen five players earn NFL opportunities in the last handful of years, he’s a name to follow as the years progress.
