Wesley College could be developing a reputation as the path for NCAA Division III football players take for a potential NFL career. The latest to be on the radar of NFL teams is offensive tackle Matt Gono. He is scheduled to play in Saturday’s (January 20th) NFL Players Association Collegiate Bowl at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
“We are so proud of Matt,” said head coach Mike Drass. “We can’t wait for Matt to have an opportunity to compete against Division I talent. Matt is a special player with a bright professional future.”
A Gagliardi Trophy semifinalist, Gono was named a First Team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association and the Asssociated Press and a Third Team All-America by D3football.com in 2017.
Gono is a three-time D3Football.com All-East Region and New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) First Team honoree. He is also a two-time All-Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Star.
Gono did not allow a sack all year and helped lead the Wolverines to the best offense in the NJAC with 5,295 total yards, including 2,477 yards on the ground. He paved the way for five All-NJAC Players, including NJAC Offensive Player of the Year, ECAC All-Star and D3football All-Region running back E.J. Lee.
Lee ranks fifth in Division III in rushing touchdowns (22), seventh in rushing yards (1,582) and 14th in yards per game (131.8).
Founded in 2012, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl gives prospective players the best opportunity to showcase their talents to potential employers and fans. Nearly 200 scouts, player personnel staff, general managers and head coaches from all 32 NFL teams are expected be in attendance to watch live practices, conduct player interviews and review tape.
Several 2018 NFL Draft scouting websites have Gono as one of the top guards/tackles entering the draft this year.
Gono could join quarterback Joe Callahan as the next Wolverine to play in the NFL. Callahan was elevated to the Green Bay Packers number two signal caller following the injury to Aaron Rodgers.
(Wesley Sports Information contributed to this post)
