Participating in events such as college all-star games, pro days and combines, thousands of NFL draft-eligible players will try to land on the radars of pro teams over the next few months.
And for a select group of those pro football hopefuls, a Hopewell High School graduate continues to play a part in identifying and showcasing players who better fit the description of “hidden gem” rather than “can’t-miss prospect.”
“Our motto is, ‘It’s not where you play, it’s how you play,” Mike Rittelmann said. “Our niche is that fifth-to-seventh-round pick to undrafted-free-agent type of guy.”
Rittelmann serves as director of scouting and player personnel for the College Gridiron Showcase, which advertises as being “the first major all-star event of the college football postseason.” The event, in its 10th year, will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. The showcase includes controlled practices, 1-on-1s and 7-on-7s, and culminates with a game on the final day. Representatives from teams in the NFL, USFL, XFL and CFL will be in attendance, Rittelmann said.
“The Senior Bowl, the East-West Shrine Game, those are the top dogs. But there’s still a niche there for us,” said Rittelmann, an assistant coach at New Brighton.
Four players who took part in the CGS a year ago were selected in the 2023 NFL draft — New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed II (Seattle), Tennessee-Martin wide receiver Colton Dowell (Tennessee), Oregon defensive lineman Jordon Riley (New York Giants) and South Carolina receiver Jalen Brooks (Dallas). All four were taken in the sixth round or later.
This year’s CGS crop includes three players with Western Pennsylvania ties. The trio consists of Pitt defensive lineman David Green, Fairmont State safety Sam Fairley and Slippery Rock offensive guard Nick Stazer. Green attended high school at Central Catholic, Fairley at Imani Christian and Stazer at Butler.
Said Rittelmann, “David Green has been a productive pass rusher as a defensive tackle at Pitt. And he’s doing great things in the community. Nick Stazer, he’s an offensive guard who went from being a walk-on at Pitt to being an all-conference lineman for a top-10 team. Sam Fairley was an active safety at Fairmont. He’s got good instincts and a nose for the football. All three of those guys really stood out in the evaluation process.”
Rittelmann, along with CGS co-founders Jose Jefferson and Craig Redd and a few board members, began in late July identifying prospective participants. Rittelmann said it’s a national search that covers all levels and ultimately leads to them sending out invitations. Between 250-300 players are expected to participate this year, according to Rittelmann.
It has become commonplace for players with WPIAL or City League roots to participate in the CGS. Sixteen have played in the event in past years, said Rittelmann, who was the starting center for Hopewell when the Rushel Shell-led Vikings reached the WPIAL Class 3A final in 2009.
Past attendees include Christian Kuntz (Chartiers Valley), Rodney Thomas (Central Catholic), Gabe Houy (Upper St. Clair), Lenny Williams (Sto-Rox), Todd Thomas (Beaver Falls), Nick Ioanilli (Ellwood City), Jake Marotti (Ambridge), Brayden Thimons (Highlands), Isaiah Robinson (Washington), Jake Dixon (Bethel Park), Bricen Garner (Central Catholic), Lamont Wade (Clairton), Zach Sammartino (North Hills), Ricky Rogers (Gateway), Tevin McCaster (New Castle) and Marcus Johnson (University Prep). Kuntz (Steelers) and Thomas (Indianapolis) each currently play in the NFL.
“It’s a huge honor just from football history alone to be able to be a small part of the process for athletes during their draft journey,” said Rittelmann, who played at Waynesburg University. “I love doing this every year. Getting to know people, connecting with coaches and agents … it’s a lot of fun.”
Brad is a sports writer at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at beverett@unionprogress.com.