By Mark Pszonak
With players from many of the elite P4 programs in the country gathering this week in Texas for the Senior Bowl, it came as a surprise this morning when an FCS player was officially named the Overall Practice Player of the Week.
🚨𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮: North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel was named @seniorbowl Overall Practice Player-of-Week today in poll of NFL executives from all 32 teams. 📈#BestoftheBest #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/giG6kRtLyp
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_Sooners) February 1, 2025
It actually shouldn’t be considered a surprise since North Dakota offensive lineman Grey Zabel was mentioned consistently this week for his dominant performance.
Couldn’t have been more impressed with @NDSUfootball OL Grey Zabel in the @seniorbowl 1-on-1s. Here are three good reps from him at three different positions (C, LG, RG)
Strong case for IOL1 in this draft, and a top 50 pick pic.twitter.com/qX2is4UXn6
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2025
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Grey Zabel. OL from North Dakota St absolutely crushed the first practice here in Mobile. Get to know him because he’s only going to rise from here. pic.twitter.com/aYvCPOUQaC
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) January 28, 2025
NDSU All-American OL Grey Zabel was my No. 1 standout at Senior Bowl practices ⭐️
“Grey Zabel was the most consistent of any player, regardless of position, at the Senior Bowl. Had an excellent week.”
– Jordan Reid“Zabel is in consideration for the first round after the way… pic.twitter.com/UsFonWd4zZ
— Hogg (@HoggNFL) January 31, 2025
The most important aspect of this award is that it was voted by NFL executives. It wasn’t voted by the press, but instead the people who will be deciding when Zabel is drafted in April.
Zabel, 6-foot-6, 305-pounds, was a First-Team FCS All-American this season at tackle, but his performance at both guard and even center this week showcased his full talents and versatility. Many players raised their stock this week, but few did it at the level that Zabel accomplished.
