CCSU Pro Day Offers New England Patriots Three Key Roster Prospects

Three Blue Devils worked out inside the Star Hill Family Athletic Center in Tolland, Connecticut, and two NFL teams were watching closely. Inside the chilly facility, a large contingent of Central Connecticut State players worked out for a small contingent of NFL scouts, including representatives from the New England Patriots and New York Giants. Leading the pro day was Brian Smith, New England's personnel coordinator, who had already done the same at Holy Cross the week prior and Boston College one day earlier. For a program that has spent the better part of the last two years knocking on the door of an FCS title, the workout was another signal that CCSU has crossed a threshold most mid-major programs never reach.

The Blue Devils are coming off back-to-back trips to the FCS Championship under head coach Adam Lechtenberg, and the growing program continues to get more looks at the next level. The Patriots have experience dipping into the CCSU pool: in 2020, the team signed quarterback Jake Dolegala. That history makes New England's continued attention to this program something more than routine regional scouting. Lechtenberg framed the moment plainly. "It's important to us as an FCS school that we can provide every opportunity for our kids to live out their dreams," he told Patriots on SI. "We have good players, and so I'm just grateful that (the scouts) spent the time to come and do this pro day for us, and grateful for our kids have the opportunity. I thought our kids performed well."

Here is a closer look at the three prospects who drew the most attention.

All-American Linebacker: Jack Stoll

Jack Stoll has made a name for himself in the Blue Devils' defense. The four-year player continued to improve season over season and was named the NEC's Defensive Player of the Year this past season, racking up 91 tackles to go with 15.5 tackles for loss. Those are numbers that translate clearly on a scout's spreadsheet, regardless of competition level. During the workout, he was quick in his 40-yard dash and moved fluidly side-to-side in positional drills. While he's a tad undersized, he makes up for it in motor.

The fit with New England is concrete, not speculative. The Patriots have been open about adding off-ball linebackers through the draft process, and Stoll could be an undrafted add for New England. Lechtenberg spoke to the quality that makes Stoll more than a statistical outlier at the FCS level. "(He) just continued as a player to get better and better," Lechtenberg said. "And he's (a) very smart, instinctive player, kind of an old school guy." At a position where the Patriots have identified a genuine need, a player who diagnoses quickly and finished 2025 with 15.5 tackles for loss is worth a closer look come undrafted free agency.

The Trench Prospects: Isaiah DeLoatch and Clifton Thompson

The Patriots have needs on both sides of the line for depth positions, and the departure of key players on offense, specifically Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford Jr., and on defense with Khyiris Tonga, has opened up reserve roles for 2026. CCSU sent two linemen into those openings at the pro day. Offensive tackle Isaiah DeLoatch and defensive tackle Clifton Thompson both looked good in their position workouts together.

DeLoatch arrives with a strong pre-draft résumé. He has been the anchor of Central Connecticut State's dominant offensive line, playing a pivotal role in leading the Blue Devils to a conference championship and one of the most efficient rushing attacks in the nation, earning senior captain and 2024 All-NEC First Team honors. His versatility and steady performance made him a cornerstone of CCSU's success, and beyond his physical tools, he sets himself apart with his intelligence, discipline, and leadership. Lechtenberg singled out both linemen after the session. "They did a good job," he said. "(They) clearly prepared for this and took advantage of their opportunity. That's the thing about our Blue Devils: they're grateful for the opportunity. They just come out and work and see what happens."

For New England's front office, the calculus on linemen like DeLoatch and Thompson is straightforward: FCS prospects who can demonstrate positional technique and athleticism at a pro day often become the kind of low-cost, high-effort depth signings that fill out a 90-man roster. With multiple line spots vacated this offseason, the timing was right.

The Quarterback Watching from the Sideline: Brady Olson

The most intriguing element of the CCSU pro day may have been the player who did not participate. The CCSU head coach noted that it is likely Brady Olson will be part of the Patriots' local pro day ahead of next month's NFL Draft. The Patriots this week released backup quarterback Josh Dobbs to clear cap space and promote Tommy DeVito from within, creating a potential opening at the third quarterback spot, making a look at Olson a smart potential addition to watch for rookie minicamp.

Olson's 2025 season demands that attention. He became the first Blue Devil quarterback to surpass 3,000 passing yards in a single season, finishing with 3,132, and set program records in pass attempts (271) and passing touchdowns (25) in a single campaign, earning First-Team All-NEC recognition. Lechtenberg was direct about his quarterback's ceiling. "Brady has the skills and talent to play at the next level," he said. "He was one of the best FCS players in the country this year." If the Patriots extend a Gillette Stadium local-day invitation in the coming weeks, as the reporting suggests they are expected to, Olson will get his chance to make that case in front of Brian Smith and New England's personnel staff on their home turf.

For a program that has now placed itself squarely on the NFL scouting calendar two years running, the Tolland workout was less a one-time showcase and more confirmation of a trend. CCSU is no longer a program scouts visit out of regional obligation; it is one they visit because the film, the awards, and the production numbers give them no good reason to stay away.