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| Sports in KS : Football Journey |
NAIA » D1 Walk-On » NFL Free Agent Deal Ben Nikkel of McPherson HS has quite the story and is the ultimate underdog. He had minimal interest from colleges out of high school after registering 31 tackles as a senior DB, earning all league honors. He enrolled at NAIA McPherson College in his hometown where he excelled as a WR from 2018-2020. He compiled 107 receptions for 1,570 yards for the Bulldogs in his career, twice earning all conference. In 2021, he decided to join Iowa State as a walk on where he was redshirted. In 2022 he primarily played on special teams. In 2023 he was awarded a scholarship and became a team captain, registering over 40 tackles as a defensive back for the Cyclones. His standout season and pro day testing ultimately got him a free agent deal with the Washington Commanders. Nikkel graded out with a 4.45 40, 39.5” vertical, and 11’4” broad jump at 6’2” 199 pounds. Incredible consistency, improvement as a player and resilience shown.
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