CLEVELAND, Miss. -- Statesmen football saw two members of its 2022 GSC championship teams receive a chance to play at the next level. Offensive lineman Nicolas Melsop and wide receiver Dohnte Meyers have both responded to offers from NFL teams, and their DSU coaches could not be any more proud of the two young men.

"The thing I'm probably most proud of is that they both have their degrees. They're playing with house money, so to speak," said Head Coach Todd Cooley. "I know the work they put in here. Both young men have come in here and made an impact on this university and this football program. It's easy to root for great people like these two, and I'm excited for what both of them have in their futures."

Dohnte Meyers received an invite to the Atlanta Falcons' rookie training camp this summer, which has been held in Flowery Branch, Georgia for the past four years. Meyers recorded over 1,500 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in his two seasons at Delta State, including a team-high 877 yards and 8 touchdowns this past season.

"Dohnte had a really good local Pro Day for the Falcons," said Assistant Head Coach Jonathan Fletcher. "He earned that invite to rookie mini camp; now it's his time to show everyone what he can do."

Nicolas Melsop signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent on Saturday. Melsop was named a second team All-American last season at right tackle and was a vital part of the DSU offense's passing and rushing attacks. Coach Fletcher, who is also DSU's offensive line coach, was very proud of his former player when he heard the news.

"He was very emotional when I spoke to him Saturday. I think he feels at peace after waiting and wondering all this time," said Fletcher. "I think now he's just ready to go play football. I'm so proud of him. He's been here a long time and he's worked so hard. Now he's just got to go out there and take this opportunity."

Delta State opens its 2023 season on the road on Thursday, August 31 at Missouri S&T. The first game back at Parker-McCool for the Statesmen is on Saturday, September 16 against Mississippi Valley State.