SPRINGFIELD — NFL scouts will pop up at college football practices on a consistent basis. Of course, the big schools will receive the most attention. But Group of Six teams, like Missouri State, will receive trips from NFL scouts, too.
Casey Woods shared that scouts have been attending Missouri State’s practices weekly.
“We’ve averaged three NFL scouts per week the last month of the season,” Woods said. “We are attracting more traffic, which is a really good thing.”
Each scout has asked about one specific Missouri State player.
“They ask about three to four players every single time they are through here,” Woods said. “But, every single one of them asks about Mike.”
Missouri
State basketball star turned football prospect Michael Osei-Bonsu has the attention of those in the professional ranks.
Osei-Bonsu never played a snap in his career before this season. He has featured in all three facets of the game, mainly on special teams. He did secure his first catch in Week 2 against Lindenwood. He also secured a tackle against Texas A&M and Marshall.
“He’s one of the five most athletic guys in our room. We’ve talked at length about how high his ceiling is,” Woods said. “He has so much growth to be had, he will develop more and more rapidly.”
Woods has emphasized that Missouri State is a developmental program. No one embodies that more than Osei-Bonsu. He’s learning on the fly, building a plane in the air, so to speak.
He’s contributing and making Missouri State a better football team.
“Our messaging to the NFL is on October 1st, you need to watch a month of games,” Woods said. “November 1st, you need to watch a month of games, December 1st, you need to watch a month of games.
The best football player he will be is three years from now.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: NFL scouts are eyeing one particular Missouri State football player
