From Fargo to the NFL: The Legacy of North Dakota State Alumni in Professional Football
North Dakota State University (NDSU) has quietly become a powerhouse in developing NFL talent. Despite its location in what some might consider "flyover country," NDSU has consistently produced high-caliber players who have made a significant impact on the professional football landscape. This article explores the factors contributing to NDSU's success, highlights notable alumni in the NFL, and examines the university's trajectory toward further elevating its recruiting and program.
The Fargo Advantage: A Recruiting Hotspot
One often-overlooked aspect of NDSU's success is its strategic location and the accessibility afforded by Fargo's Hector Airport. As noted by Jason Kirk of The Athletic, the airport offers direct flights from recruiting hotbeds like Atlanta, Dallas, and Orlando, allowing Bison football recruiters to efficiently scout and attract prime recruits. This advantage has enabled NDSU to extend its reach beyond its immediate geographic footprint.
A History of Success: From Division II to FCS Dynasty
NDSU's football program boasts a rich history of success at both the Division II and FCS levels. The Bison won eight Division II national championships between 1965 and 1990, establishing a foundation of excellence. After transitioning to the FCS, NDSU continued its dominance, securing 10 national championships in an even shorter period. This sustained success has not only elevated the program's profile but has also attracted talented players from across the country.
Former NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor noted that the changing landscape of Division II, with teams like Cal Davis, Northern Colorado, and Northern Iowa moving up, prompted NDSU to consider a similar move. The Bison's unparalleled success in Division II ultimately led to their departure in 2004, marking the beginning of their FCS journey.
Recruiting Beyond the Midwest: National Talent Acquisition
While NDSU has a strong presence in the Upper Midwest, the program's recruiting efforts extend far beyond its regional boundaries. The Bison have consistently attracted top talent from across the United States, including players from traditional football powerhouses in the South.
Read also: Alumni Success Stories: NDSU
Notable past NDSU recruits from the South include current NFL players such as Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson, a Tampa native. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Josh Hayes came from Lakeland, Florida, and New York Giants linebacker Chris Board played at Timber Creek in Orlando before NDSU.
The Bison also find talent closer to home. Former Bison and current Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks offensive linemen Jalen Sundell and Grey Zabel came from Missouri and South Dakota respectively. Top-three NFL draft picks and quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance came from North Dakota and Minnesota respectively.
Many of NDSU’s current 18 alumni on NFL teams actually come from the Upper Midwest. That includes Dallas Cowboys fullback Hunter Luepke, a Wisconsin native, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Cody Mauch, a North Dakota native.
Notable NDSU Alumni in the NFL
NDSU has produced a remarkable number of NFL players, including several who have achieved significant success at the professional level. Some of the most notable NDSU alumni in the NFL include:
- Carson Wentz: Drafted second overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Wentz made history as the highest-drafted player from NDSU.
- Trey Lance: The San Francisco 49ers selected Lance with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
- Christian Watson: The Green Bay Packers selected Watson 34th overall in the 2022 NFL draft. As an NDSU Bison, Watson dazzled fans and won four FCS national titles.
- Easton Stick: Selected by the LA Chargers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Stick had a remarkable 49-3 record as a starter for the NDSU Bison.
- Cody Mauch: Drafted in the second round (48th overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2023 NFL Draft.
- Cordell Volson: Drafted in the fourth round (136th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Connor McGovern: Drafted in the fifth round (144th overall) by the Denver Broncos during the 2016 NFL Draft.
- Jim Kleinsasser: Drafted in the second round (44th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings during the 1999 NFL Draft.
Other NDSU alumni who have been drafted into the NFL include Greg Eslinger, Brooks Bollinger, Phil Hansen, Mark Slater, Randy Hedberg, Doug Beaudoin, and Dave “Butch” Lince. The success of these players is a testament to the quality of coaching and player development at NDSU.
Read also: North Carolina Basketball Greats
The Move to FBS: A New Era for Bison Football
NDSU's recently announced move to the FBS and Mountain West Conference is expected to further elevate the program's recruiting and national profile. Bison head coach Tim Polasek believes that the program has been recruiting at a "Group of Six level" for some time, and the move to the FBS will only enhance their ability to attract top talent.
Kirk noted that, “for 40 years now, the Bison have been on this FBS trajectory” with dynasties at two levels. The national media caught more wind of the FCS dynasty of course, and talk of moving up to the FBS has been percolating since 2014. It truly goes back further once NDSU dominated Division II and saw an exodus at the level, which later happened with the FCS.
NDSU’s first playoff appearance came in 2010 after the NCAA’s transition period requirement was fulfilled.
North Dakota Draft History
According to the NDHSAA, these are North Dakotans who have been drafted in the NFL over the years:
- Cody Mauch (2017 Hankinson High School graduate)
- Cordell Volson (2016 Drake High School graduate)
- Carson Wentz (2011 Bismarck Century High School graduate)
- Connor McGovern (2011 Fargo Shanley High School graduate)
- Greg Eslinger (2002 Bismarck High graduate)
- Brooks Bollinger (1998 Grand Forks Central High School graduate)
- Jim Kleinsasser (1995 Carrington High School graduate)
- Phil Hansen (1986 Oakes High School graduate)
- Mark Slater (1973 Bishop Ryan High School graduate)
- Randy Hedberg (1973 Parshall High School graduate)
- Doug Beaudoin (1972 Jamestown High School graduate)
- Dave “Butch” Lince (1962 Mott Lincoln High School Graduate)
Read also: NOCCCD: Your Guide
tags: #north #dakota #state #alumni #in #nfl
