With the NFL Draft less than four months away, Division I players aren’t the only ones trying to make a pro team.
On the Division II level, star quarterback Patrick Shegog of Delta State is looking to make the jump to the next level after a record-breaking career in Cleveland. In five seasons with the Statesmen, Shegog threw for 9,095 yards and rushed for 2,399 yards while totaling 112 touchdowns.
Shegog’s best season may have come in 2023 when he had over 3,300 yards, 44 touchdowns, and just two turnovers on the way to winning the Conerly Trophy, which is given annually to Mississippi’s top college player. The Batesville native was also a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best Division II player.
“[The honors] mean a lot. Can’t really put it into words,” Shegog said on SportsTalk Mississippi. “I still got some things to figure out, but I plan on pursuing the next level.”
Of Shegog’s teammates who have also declared for the NFL Draft are All-American defensive back Malik Jones, defensive lineman Timaje Porter, and defensive back Patrick Lee, Jr. If any of the prospects were to be selected in April, they would become the first Delta State player since defensive tackle Anthony Maddox was picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round in 2004.
On the Division III level, one player who is for sure going to try his cards at the next level is Belhaven running back Kolbe Blunt. During his five seasons in Jackson, Blunt rushed for 3,437 yards and 44 touchdowns, becoming the leading rusher in program history.
“Yes sir, I’m going to try,” Blunt said on a recent episode of From D2 to D3. “I don’t know where the next step leads, but if the opportunity presents itself, it’ll definitely be a blessing and I would love to do it.”
Joining Blunt in trying to play on the next level could be Belhaven offensive tackle Kendrioun Boatman, although the All-American has not officially announced his intentions to go pro. The 2024 NFL Draft is set for April 25-27 in Detroit, Mich.
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