BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Two Ferris State University (FSU) football players are heading to NFL mini camps later this spring.
Former wide receiver Xavier Wade accepted an invite to the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie mini camp and former All-America defensive back Shon Stephens accepted an invite to the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie mini camp.
Wade finished his career at FSU among the school's all-time leading wide receivers with 132 catches for 2,746 yards and 29 touchdowns in 51 games.
Wade averaged over 20 yards a reception and led the team in receptions in the 2023-24 season with 42 catches for 855 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The All-Conference First Team honoree was a member of FSU's back-to-back championship teams in 2021 and 2022. Wade was also a West Ottawa High School graduate.
Stephens wrapped his only season with the Bulldogs in 2023, earning spots on the 2023 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America squad and the AFCA All-America Second Team.
Stephens had 25 total tackles on the season along with eight interceptions. He also scored two touchdowns, one off an interception and the other on a kick return.
A third former FSU player is also heading to the professional stage after being signed as a free agent by the San Francisco 49ers.
Mason Pline of Fowler, Michigan started as a basketball player for FSU before playing for the school's football team during their back-to-back championship seasons in 2021 and 2022.
Pline suited up as a tight end for the Bulldogs during those seasons and score two touchdowns over 25 games. He transferred to Furman University his last season in college where he caught 32 catches for 287 yards.
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