The 5 Most Successful Small-School Pass-Catchers in the NFL
Marques Colston, Wide Receiver
College: Hofstra (FCS)
Drafted: 2006, 7th Round (252nd Overall)
Career Total NEP: 874.72
One of Drew Brees' favorite targets since he was drafted in the 2006 Draft, Marques Colston has been the most productive small-schooler selected since 2000, both in career Total Net Expected Points (NEP) and average Total NEP.
Colston was selected out of Hofstra University, an FCS athletic program (and one of a few factors that likely contributed to his low draft slot). As a high schooler, Colston did actually receive a scholarship offer from FBS school Missouri but turned it down for the playing opportunities at the smaller New York college. He was always looked at as imposing due to his size but unimpressive in terms of burst and speed, and he had a lengthy injury history even early on in his college days.
Despite lagging box score production in his more recent years due to injuries, Colston has still had just two seasons with less than 90.00 Total NEP, an incredible mark for any player to meet in one year, let alone seven out of nine. He also has two elite-level seasons under his belt: his exceptional 2006 rookie year, and his 2012 campaign that saw him end with 83 receptions for 1,154 yards and 10 touchdowns.
