One of the great things the Las Vegas Raiders are known for is developing an underdog.
Mason McCormick of South Dakota State University was a two-time FCS champion during his years with the program, but his football journey is one that could certainly be described as an underdog story.
Now one of the top guards in the 2024 NFL Draft class, McCormick entered college as a 0-star prospect by 247Sports.
McCormick started all 15 games at right guard for the Jackrabbits this past season, helping lead South Dakota State to a perfect record and an FCS title. The program finished sixth in FCS in scoring at 37.3 points per game, sixth in total offense at 449.9 yards per game, and fifth in rushing offense at 227.7 rushing yards per game. McCormick was named an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team honoree and was also named to the Associated Press FCS All-American First Team.
Pro Football Focus gave McCormick an overall grade of 87.6, the second-highest grade among guards in all of college football. He was also given a run-blocking grade of 90.8, a pass-blocking grade of 85.4, and a zone grade of 94.7.
The season prior, McCormick and the Jackrabbits finished the season 13-1, winning their first FCS Championship in school history. McCormick started every game at left guard and was named a consensus All-American, as well as a first-team All-MVFC First Team honoree. PFF gave him an overall grade of 81.2 for that season.
McCormick ultimately finished his collegiate season with a 57-game streak as a starter.
That durability alone is a strength that should stand out to the Raiders, who faced many injuries on their offensive line this past season.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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