Standout Ferris State All-America defensive back Shon Stephens and Bulldog two-sport alum Mason Pline are hoping to take their game to the highest level after connecting the National Football League teams following this week’s NFL Draft.
Stephens accepted a rookie minicamp invite from the Philadelphia Eagles and Pline agreed to a free agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
In his lone season as a Bulldog, Stephens was named to the 2023 American Football Coaches Association All-America squad as announced by the national coaches organization.
The Bakersfield, Calif. native was chosen as an AFCA All-America Second Team choice, representing the ninth consecutive year the Bulldogs had at least one AFCA All-America selection - the longest active streak in the country.
Stephens also was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award presented to the nation's top small college defensive player.
Stephens was chosen this year to the Division II Conference Commission
The 89th annual National Football League Draft takes place this weekend in Detroit and former Ferris State University football standouts are hoping to hear their names called or be contacted as potential free agent pickups following the annual event.
The Bulldogs have several players who completed their eligibility this past fall, leading FSU to a nation-leading ninth consecutive playoff appearance and hoping to make the jump to professional football.
Defensive back Shon Stephens, defensive end Olalere Oladipo and wide receiver Xavier Wade are receiving the strongest attention. All have either spent the past several months training for an opportunity, taken part in pro day events or been pegged on various draft boards.
Former quarterback Mylik Mitchell has already started his pro career in the Indoor Football League while other alums such as defensive end Ian Hall and slot receiver CJ Jefferson have also been listed among players competing for training camp opportunities.
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The Saskatchewan Roughriders could be without their longest-serving player for a while. Centre Dan Clark suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter o.
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Finished on Practice Squad: Dawkins, Sheldon
Reserve/Future Signing: John Daka, Dawkins
No Longer With Team: Williamson, Ogletree
Potential Unrestricted FAs in 2021: Basham, Hager, Hewitt, Jenkins, Onwuasor
Potential Restricted FAs in 2021: Langi, Luvu 21: A New Deal
GM Joe Douglas said after the season that he ll be in contact with C.J. Mosley, who opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID concerns, to see where he s at, make sure he s in a good place, his health is good, he s feeling good. Obviously, he s a special player. If Mosley is at his form from the Ravens and for pretty much one game as a Jet (the 2019 season opener vs. the Bills), this unit will be the stronger for it.