NDSU”s Anderson out to prove himself again

(STATS) – A strange thing happens to North Dakota State players during the buildup to the NFL Draft – they have to prove themselves, and their incredibly successful program, all over again.

This despite NDSU having won a record seven of the last eight FCS national titles.

The label “small school player” never seems to escape those coming from the FCS, although it adds an extra chip of motivation on their shoulders.

Last week, Easton Stick was under the microscope at the East-West Shrine Game. All he did in his career was set the FCS record for wins by a quarterback (49).

This week, Bison running back Bruce Anderson is facing scrutiny at the 70th Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. One of 11 FCS players in the all-star game, Anderson led the Bison in rushing in each of their last two national championship seasons and racked up 4,704 career all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns on carries, receptions and kickoff returns – numbers that would be even higher if the uber-talented team didn’t have so many other standouts.

“I’m very fortunate to get the (Senior Bowl) offer and to ultimately show what the program is about and what I’m about coming from the FCS,” Anderson said.

North Dakota State boasted an impressive eight former players on NFL rosters this season, including four who were draft selections. Linebacker and special teams standout Ramon Humber, who went undrafted, but is a 10-year NFL veteran, will play for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

Led by quarterback Carson Wentz’s No. 2 overall selection three years ago, NDSU gained draft selections in three straight years from 2014-16, which hadn’t happened since a four-year run from 1972-75.

“It’s definitely grown,” Anderson said. “Just hearing a couple things when Carson was being looked at by the NFL. Obviously, they were kind of saying he’s a small-time quarterback, they don’t know if he will be able to be successful in the NFL. Just look at him now, he’s a very successful quarterback. We’re able to show that we have great talent, great kids and we’re able to play at that next level.”

In Anderson, scouts will want to see how the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder competes against more acclaimed players from the FBS level. He handled pass-blocking well at NDSU and wasn’t shy about powering through physical contact, although he was most effective when he got out in space, where he accelerates rapidly.

A quad injury sidelined him for the national championship game on Jan. 5.

“I’m just a hard-nosed guy,” he said. “I’m able to take a lot of hits and give a lot of hits. Fast. I’ve versatile, can play special teams, go in the slot and play a little receiver. I feel I just bring different aspects of the game.”