When the 2023 NFL Draft came to a close back in April, one of the FCS’ best players was left wondering what was next after not hearing his name called. Xavier Gipson, former receiver and return specialist for Stephen F. Austin, looked on as ten other standouts from the subdivision got picked. Even Gipson’s former teammate, defensive end B.J. Thompson, got the call. He, however, didn’t.
It was a turn of events that was surprising to those who follow that level of football because anyone who knows the FCS, knows that few players in the nation were more explosive than Gipson had been in recent years.