Three games are on the FCS schedule tonight, as the division formerly known as Division I-AA will be down to their final four by the end of the weekend. Here’s a quick breakdown of the prospects that scouts will be watching in each of Friday’s three 2019 FCS quarterfinals.
Northern Iowa vs James Madison
This is a contest not to be missed and it is laden with next-level talent, though most of it is of the free agent variety. It includes a number of players listed throughout the season as my “Small School Prospect of the Week.”
After a hot start to the season, Isaiah Weston slowed down a bit yet he’s a major big-play threat. Word is Weston will stick around NIU for another season.
The same cannot be said for quarterback Ben DiNucci, as he just gets better each week. Ignored by scouts before the season, there’s now talk he could slide into the late rounds.
John Daka is an explosive athlete and a great college pass rusher with insane numbers. He will likely move to outside linebacker at the next level.
Riley Stapleton lines up at receiver, but I like his potential as a move tight end.
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Northern Iowa vs James Madison |
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| Grade | Rnd | Full Name | School | Pos | # | Yr |
| 3.39 | 6th | Isaiah Weston | Northern Iowa | WR | 80 | 3So |
| 3.28 | 7th | Ben DiNucci | James Madison | QB | 6 | 5Sr |
| 3.21 | FA | John Daka | James Madison | DE | 7 | 4Sr |
| 3.18 | FA | Ron’Dell Carter | James Madison | DE | 5 | 5Sr |
| 3.17 | FA | Riley Stapleton | James Madison | TE | 10 | 5Sr |
| 3.06 | FA | Kyndel Dean | James Madison | WR | 17 | 3So |
| 3.03 | FA | Jaylin James | Northern Iowa | WR | 83 | 5Sr |
| 2.92 | FA | Briley Moore | Northern Iowa | TE | 86 | 4Sr |
| 2.78 | FA | Rashad Robinson | James Madison | CB | 1 | 5Sr |
| 2.69 | FA | Trevor Allen | Northern Iowa | RB | 25 | 5Sr |
Austin Peay vs Montana State
The tables are titled towards Montana State heavily in this FCS quarterfinals matchup, though Austin Peay does have an explosive offense.
Bryce Sterk has nice size and pass-rushing skill standing over tackle, but he’s a bit of a limited athlete. He’ll be a terrific late-round pick that will be productive in the right system. We’ll see Sterk at the Shrine Game.
Kentel Williams is a terrific ball carrier with poor size/speed numbers. He’s a touchdown machine and will get looks as a situational ball carrier at the next level.
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Austin Peay vs Montana State |
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| Grade | Rnd | Full Name | School | Pos | # | Yr |
| 3.32 | 6th | Bryce Sterk | Montana State | OLB | 45 | 4Sr |
| 3.02 | FA | Kevin Kassis | Montana State | WR | 85 | 4Sr |
| 2.91 | FA | Brayden Konkol | Montana State | S | 41 | 5Sr |
| 2.78 | FA | Kentel Williams | Austin Peay | RB | 5 | 4Sr |
| 2.72 | FA | Keenan Barnes | Austin Peay | WR | 8 | 5Sr |
Montana vs Weber State
A repeat of a Big Sky match-up won by Montana about a month ago, this FCS quarterfinals contest should be a defensive battle with several good senior prospects on both teams.
Dante Olson is a highly thought of run-stuffing linebacker best in the middle of a 4-3. He’s tough and flashes athleticism.
Jonah Williams and Adam Rodriguez are both well-liked in scouting circles, but I prefer the latter. Rodriguez is a better and more explosive pass rusher off the edge while Williams has a better NFL build.
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Montana vs Weber State |
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| Grade | Rnd | Full Name | School | Pos | # | Yr |
| 3.34 | 6th | Dante Olson | Montana | ILB | 33 | 5Sr |
| 3.31 | 6-7 | Dareon Nash | Montana | CB | 7 | 4Jr |
| 3.29 | 7th | Jace Lewis | Montana | OLB | 34 | 4Jr |
| 3.28 | 7th | Robby Hauck | Montana | S | 14 | 3So |
| 3.19 | FA | Adam Rodriguez | Weber State | OLB | 9 | 4Sr |
| 3.11 | FA | Jonah Williams | Weber State | DE | 94 | 4Sr |
| 3.04 | FA | Juston Calhoun | Montana | CB | 3 | 5Sr |
| 3.02 | FA | Auston Tesch | Weber State | OLB | 53 | 4Sr |
| 2.94 | FA | Josh Sandry | Montana | S | 13 | 5Sr |
| 2.91 | FA | Jesse Sims | Montana | DE | 37 | 5Sr |
| 2.65 | FA | Cy Sirmon | Montana | C | 66 | 5Sr |
Tony Pauline is Pro Football Network’s NFL Draft Analyst and Insider. Follow him on Twitter @TonyPauline. Follow PFN on Twitter @PFN365.