Another D-III Find
May 19th, 2019
Division III hero Ali Marpet weighs in one of the newest Buccaneers
General manager Jason Licht and his team have been known to mine the lowest ranks of college football for talent — and draft and sign select players.
And one of his prize scores recently talked about a new Division-III superstar currently in Bucs camp.
The top center in Division-III last year, who was honored accordingly, was signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent. He’s Nate Trewyn out of Wisconsin-Whitewater, all 6-3, 315-pounds of him.
Per USA Today, Trewyn was the only D-III player to participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and he was the lone Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference player to work out at the University of Wisconsin pro day in March.
Sometimes, small-school players are invited to big school Pro Days. It’s sort of a way the big programs help the little guys around him. But Joe’s got a funny story about that. Former Bucs linebacker Cameron Lynch, who starred for Syracuse, once said that Bucs guard Ali Marpet, who played college ball at nearby Hobart in Division III, was not allowed to attend the Syracuse Pro Day in 2015.
Why? Because Syracuse coaches didn’t want Marpet to make their guys look bad. No Syracuse players were drafted that season, while Marpet went in Round 2 to Tampa Bay.
Marpet said last week he’ll be having a talk with Trewyn to advise him of the steep climb ahead. But Marpet said he’s confident in Trewyn because he got Jason Licht’s blessing to be here.
“I know he comes from a winning program. I know he’s got the tools to succeed at the next level,” Marpet said. “I’ll have a more intimate conversation with him at some point, just discussing the jump that needs to be made and the expectations that are on him as an undrafted free agent from the Division-III level.”
Interesting that Marpet was familiar with the Whitewater program. They have been dominant, 32-5 over the past few years.
Regardless, as Bucco Bruce Arians has said, before the pads come on in late-July, it’s just about impossible to evaluate an offensive lineman.
Trewyn has made it this far, though, and Joe’s research shows he had other suitors across the NFL.
Good luck, Nate.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:22 am
BOOTY^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Camp foder……
3rd string player at best…..rotational if he survives camp cuts
May 19th, 2019 at 9:40 am
He will supply pressure on our backup Center and could be tried at RT too.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:42 am
TheBucsAnthem Says:
May 19th, 2019 at 9:22 am
BOOTY^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Camp foder……
3rd string player at best…..rotational if he survives camp cuts
See this right here is the apitamy of negativity. You have never seen a second of this guy yet you are ripping him. That’s weak bro.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:48 am
I root for every small school player. They are the ones that keep their heads down and work. I will be watching him. We could use his size in the trenches.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:53 am
Epitome, but you are correct NDog!
6’3″ 315 lbs means there is something to work with Day 1, Dotson, Brate, Hump, Karl the Truth, Diaz -so many small school or no school UDFA have helped this team over the years, why not one more!
May 19th, 2019 at 9:55 am
Isn’t he a little taller than an ideal center, at 6’3”? Can he play guard?
May 19th, 2019 at 9:56 am
I root for every Bucs player.
I hope he excels!
May 19th, 2019 at 10:08 am
Kids got some talent… and as we know, many of the best O linemen are those Midwestern guys that are used to adversity. Little sun, beach and salt air for these guys. Based upon our drafting and signings already this year, I’d give the guy a good chance to make the team. If you do a little research, you would find that a number of teams known for developing O linemen were in contact with him before the draft. Congrats Jason for getting him down here…now comes the heat.
May 19th, 2019 at 10:08 am
Lichts personnel moves like this are horrible he is a 5-11 gm that gets 5-11 talent
May 19th, 2019 at 10:09 am
I wish the kid all the best. Licht has been able to find some talent from lesser known programs, but his record in the draft is mediocre at best. It’s possible that his entire 2016 draft class might not be on the roster on opening day. This is not how you build a successful franchise.
May 19th, 2019 at 10:11 am
Good catch Ndog. Anthem is in a funk obviously. It’s been going on now for 10 or 20 years, but who’s counting. Joe’s fueling his fire.
May 19th, 2019 at 10:13 am
The measurebles on the pouncey twins- 6’4”&6’5” 300-310. Perennial pro bowl size. Root for the kid if he succeeds it’s great
May 19th, 2019 at 10:33 am
Like buying a scratch off ticket….
May 19th, 2019 at 10:38 am
Nobody can find the half eaten cheeseburger in the dumpster of McDonald’s quite like the Bucs!
May 19th, 2019 at 10:45 am
Rocket to the top at RG in 2019 and slide to C in 2020. Dude sounds beastly.
May 19th, 2019 at 10:46 am
Building a minor league roster with d3 talent and other teams garbage is the buccaneer way…. the impressive string of embarrassing football and basement titles once again proves glazers have no intention of competing… glazers have trained low standard bucfan well
May 19th, 2019 at 10:52 am
I’ll be so glad when the games start so we can stop speculating about how bad we’re gonna suck. Won’t it be awesome if you’re wrong. I choose to be optimistic about every move until proven otherwise. Ask yourself, “Are you a fan or are you just a critic?” Be a fan for awhile. It’s a lot more fun.
May 19th, 2019 at 10:57 am
Looks like he played a good bit of LT also, not much video out there but he looks to be a high motor guy that enjoys finishing. Funny watching the little d3 defenders get rag dolled. Will be interested to see how he handles a guy like big V in camp.
May 19th, 2019 at 11:07 am
Ace, I’m a fan or I wouldn’t be on this page. However, even a low-IQ animal knows that he should flinch before getting hit again (cellar dwelling). When this team shows that they can play 50-50 ball then I’ll think about getting on the Pollyanna Bus that loads up with people like you each off-season.
May 19th, 2019 at 11:12 am
Joe you need to add emojis to this site … I want to put a laughing face on this newest addition to the bucs … this team is a joke
May 19th, 2019 at 11:15 am
Went to school with him, Joe. The kid was an absolute bully on the field. He was all about finishing plays and imposing his will. Fingers are crossed he makes it!!!
May 19th, 2019 at 11:15 am
Mark2001 how do you know he has talent…. I bet my house you never saw one live play on tv or in person of this dude … you gotta stop watching highlight reels… highlight reels never show a players flaws… cmon … some of the fans on this team are as bad as the team
May 19th, 2019 at 11:19 am
Lol Jason Licht watches varsity blues too much … he looks like billy bob lmao
May 19th, 2019 at 11:20 am
Joe is the only one covering this story … lame
May 19th, 2019 at 11:51 am
D-111 and a winning program?
Sounds like he should have been Gump’s 2nd round pick but Jason prefers D-111 from a losing program. That way if he succeeds Gump can throw himself fully clothed into the swimming pool.
Do it like the Jets!
FIRE LICHT TONIGHT!
May 19th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Tmaxipad. Ali Marpet was a d-3 product yet he’s a star played 3 diff position an still exceeds once again your wrong. You have no clue what you are talking about. Doesn’t matter what school you come from or where you were drafted Tom Brady is a perfect example. Your name is officially notruthmaxipad
May 19th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Did he block 1 defensive player that made it to the nfl? Just one ever? Who cares if he can dominate high school sized players. Cheese it’s and rice
May 19th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
No chance of Licht failing when he selects an UDFA from Division !!!…….if he succeeds, Licht is a genius…if he doesn’t…..no big deal.
I will root for him as long as he’s a Buc…..
May 19th, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Practice squad, maybe get called in if we get some injuries.
May 19th, 2019 at 12:40 pm
I bet he dosent get canned this year. But BA could be GM / coach. As long as BA is running the show. Im fine with Licht. Hes a yes man anyways. This center could sit for a year before pushing Jensen beer belly out the way. Jensen is ok. He has trouble with the stronger bull rushers though And its not like Benenoch was any help. Football outsiders has the 2002 Bucs Oline ranked 26th for the regular season. And they gave up 40 sacks. And the running game mustard 3.8 yards a carry. So it can be done with a below average oline. But the defence was great that year. #BuildtheDefence.
May 19th, 2019 at 12:55 pm
#1bucsfan
marpet is average at best and certainly nothing special…. once again low standard bucfan confuses popularity with being a good football player. again being the best turd in the bowl does not make one great….
May 19th, 2019 at 1:08 pm
#1bucsfan … just because Tom Brady was drafted low and became a legend does not mean anyone can do it … Tom Brady is a competitor … it’s in his DNA … he’s dedicated and he wants to win … not everyone is born with a competitive nature like Tom Brady … look at Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant … there’s a difference between an athlete and a competitor… and to top that off a low pick quarterback has a better shot than a offensive lineman who is a low draft pick or an undead Ted player
May 19th, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Undrafted player*
May 19th, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Damn apple needs to fix its auto word list
May 19th, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Eric y Says:
May 19th, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Damn apple needs to fix its auto word list
.
.
.
Tale mahi boat it…
May 19th, 2019 at 1:28 pm
While all the rest of the league shops on Rodeo drive Licht chooses to scan the discount racks at Walmart. Good going Gump.
May 19th, 2019 at 1:32 pm
1#bucsfan
you think with your heart and feelings while I only care about actual on-field results. Feel good stories, we kept it close and we almost won are for losers. winners win and losers make excuses to justify losing. no one makes more excuses than bucfan. we will never see this team the same way. you take pride in just being better than Cleveland and hang on to expired trophies from a failed past. you worship washed up has beens that underachieved. i only give a crap of what you did for me yesterday. and the glazers have not given this franchise a chance in nearly two decades. this franchise is an embarrassment to pro sports the records, scoreboard and record books prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Again, i will say you are not a better fan because you lose with a smile and have no standards.
May 19th, 2019 at 1:36 pm
#1Bucfan,
Tom Brady and even Ali Marpet are the exception to the rule . Yes, you can point to them but they represent one in a 1000 long shots. If you believe that the best way to plan for retirement is the lotto then I understand where your coming from.
Just something to consider, the Patriots offense last season had 2 starters who coming out of high school weren’t star rated. 1 Tom Brady. The 2nd Chris Hogan. In Hogan’s case He was a lacrosse star and didn’t play football. The other 9 guys were considered top athletes coming out of high school. The Rams had 10 players star rated. Point is , you’re going to find much more success with players that have been discovered vs players that you look for under the scrap heap.
May 19th, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Bucbeliever,
D3 is the dollar store .
May 19th, 2019 at 2:00 pm
More than once I have heard BA discuss briefly how talented Offensive Linemen are not “NFL ready” when coming out of college for the most part these days. He says it take a good two years to train them in fundamentals properly.
Could this be why our OL was seemingly overlooked this off season so far?
Are the Bucs relying on the staff to coach up our current guys along with any newbies? What do y’all think?
__________
Go Bucs!!!
May 19th, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Bucs desperately need a young interior player with talent to develop as a backup center and potential RG. Would be nice if they got lucky with this guy.
May 19th, 2019 at 2:54 pm
All the warehouse managers and shelf stockers on this site criticizing warriors who actually strap on the helmet and go to battle. Always need shiny new objects to entertain themselves.
Almost makes the comment section unreadable.
May 19th, 2019 at 2:58 pm
You can call a man trash or garbage in the safety of that shtbox you call a home, but you’d never even think of doing that to that same man in public- because you’re a coward.
I personally wish y’all would just pick another team and STFU so the rest of us don’t have to constantly deal with your negativity. But it ain’t gonna happen. Because I’d bet the farm that your just as miserable in real life to your wife and kids as you are on this board. Be proud of that.
May 19th, 2019 at 3:02 pm
Slugglife, can’t you tell? They’re all experts. It’s a shame no NFL team recognizes them. I wonder why that is.
May 19th, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Slugglife
SCOREBOARD
May 19th, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Eric.. my kid just graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a double major… STEM. And we lived up there for years. So yes, I know the school and Wisconsin football. So maybe you don’t know what you are talking about. If the guy can hang, talent wise, with UW O lineman, he definitely has the tools. Marpet thinks so. Who the heck are you?
May 19th, 2019 at 3:41 pm
AceOfAerospace
SCOREBOARD doesn’t support the delusional optimists living in denial…. clearly there have not been any experts making decisions at one buc for nearly two decades based on actual on field results so who are the fools the realists or blind optimists…. you know the answer even though you can’t handle the truth
May 19th, 2019 at 3:48 pm
BTW Eric… JJ Watt spoke at the spring graduation at UW Madison. He started at a “small school”..played TE…looked actually skinny. Walked on at UW Madison, switched to DE, put on about 80 lbs of muscle, and became a fine player. He even started his transition with a part time job cleaning the seats in the stands at Camp Randall, and working with the D line coach after hours to learn all the nuances of his D line position. There are many guys in Wisconsin that don’t get all the exposure and identification in some urban Pee Wee program…. I don’t know if this kid will make it…but wouldn’t count him out just because he was Wisconsin D III.
May 19th, 2019 at 4:12 pm
BTW…was within about three feet of Watt…a large and powerful man, compared to most people. I’m not too much shorter, but have to say he isn’t as imposing as Warren Sapp was. Also saw Warren in person once, during his playing prime. JJ is taller, but Warren was a far more powerful looking guy. That being said, both guys would break me like a stick.
May 19th, 2019 at 4:44 pm
I watched every Wisconsin-whitewater game last year
May 19th, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Good luck, Kid…wishing you the best.
May 19th, 2019 at 5:21 pm
That’s deep bro. “Scoreboard.”
May 19th, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Just become a Patriots fan Tmax. We won’t hold it against you. That way you can find some peace in your life.
I love football, but not enough to be a miserable or!ck like you all day every day. Put that on your scoreboard.
May 19th, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Tmax, I just choose not to be miserable every off season because my guy didn’t get drafted. I stay optimistic until there’s no reason to. You choose to be miserable so you can say , “I told you so!” We root for the Bucs, so congratulations, you’ll get to say, “I told you so” more often. But the players, coaches, GM’s and owners you want will never exist. So we don’t get to tell you, “I told you so”. So stay miserable and relish in you victories when we lose. I root for every member of this organization as long as they’re a Buc. And, I’m a happy person because of it. If you think anyone in the organization gives a rats ass about your opinion, you’re delusional and miserable.
May 19th, 2019 at 7:36 pm
@D1 my point is that you don’t have to be a top pick to be a star or go to a big time university either. Not everyone gets the same recognition I just use Brady an there are others just don’t care to google the undrafted FA who have gone on to be stars
May 19th, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Aceofspace couldn’t say it better myself.
Tmaxipad I don’t have lower standards just proven you wrong buddy an honestly I just thank god im not as miserable as you are. I root for who ever is on the team if it was drug Martin or Trent Dilfer. It doesn’t bother me if we lose cuz if it’s just a game an a sport an there are a million more important things to life than this game don’t get it it twisted like your brain I want them to win an yea it was a lot of fun watching that defense back then terrorize offense got a lot of great memories watching those games with family an friends sorry you don’t know what that feels like
May 19th, 2019 at 8:27 pm
If he’s from a Division 3 college
He should fit in good on this Division 3 NFL team
May 19th, 2019 at 8:50 pm
Well said Ace! It’s sad that many here at JBF seem to revill in the ability to say “I told you so when our team loses.” I mean this is a Fan site right? I get everyone has a right to their opinion, but the level of negativity sometimes is staggering. Do some here who basically say that if the Buccaneers aren’t perennial winners, then they Suck apply that Same logic to their offspring? “Well son (or daughter) since you aren’t a highly paid professional at the top of your field, then you are a failure in my eyes.” Could you really justify that? Of course not. But to some fans here since the Bucs don’t enjoy the same level of success as the Patriots, then they are LOSERS. I would think that you would WANT your team to succeed (If in fact the Buccaneers are really your team) but I think some just enjoy being critical and to have the sick satisfaction of after the fact saying “I KNEW they would SUCK!” To me the MAIN people who have a gripe are the ones shelling out their hard earned money for Bad Football of late. They say optimists tend to live longer than pessimists so PROBABLY those of us who cut the team some slack this time of year (Before the games are even played) will be around to see our Beloved Bucs become the next Dynasty…..who really knows? Those who REALLY know what’s going to happen each year are making a Fortune in Vegas putting their money where their mouth is.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:32 pm
AceOfAerospace
So you are basically saying you accept failure and enjoy failure so you’re a better fan…. got it…
Id rather be miserable over failure than fake happy or optimistic with no hope
May 19th, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Eric y Says:
“Joe is the only one covering this story…”
Oh, I see. You are one of the guys that would rather Joe rip the team like you.
Newsflash…Joe is talking about this guy because Jason Licht has a habit of finding guys where no one expects them…and they turn out to be great players.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:54 pm
I know nothing about the guy…but I’m rooting for him. You just never know with these guys. The Saints found top OL guys late in the draft and undrafted all the time in years past.
Jensen won’t last forever, and it is smart to start prepping a replacement now. Especially given that we’ll have to trim cap space next year.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:57 pm
@#1bucsfan
You are absolutely right. Here’s another name: Kurt Warner.
He went undrafted.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:59 pm
I always wonder what would happen when you take these top D3 guys and then give them access to all top flight coaching, equipment, diet, etc. I mean that’s what we’re hoping happens with Cappa, a pick I still don’t get since there was nothing special about him from a measurables standpoint (unlike Marpet).
Anywho we’ll see what happens.
May 19th, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Tmax is spot on.
The glazers at the most fundamental level are nothing more than old-South carpet-baggers. They make a fortune off the Bucs and return as little as possible. They’re not even American football fans. This is purely business to them…..Walmart style business
May 19th, 2019 at 10:52 pm
Bucs are the only professional sports franchise that can make tonya Harding look classy
May 20th, 2019 at 12:40 am
1bucslife,
Thank you for the clarification . I misunderstood , it’s on me.
On the subject, what’s your opinion on the upcoming XFL? Did you watch any of the AAF games?
May 20th, 2019 at 8:21 am
No worries. Not directed at you haha me bit but ppl like tmaxipad an there are others who post an I mean every post is negative an just wanna talk garbage. Miserable people lol. Everyone one has their own opinion an I do value what people think just not the tmaxipads of the world lol. I did not watch any of the AAF games. Even tho I was born in 1990 I miss the old school football ways wen you could clobber a receiver coming over the middle. Haha to many rules now a days so I’m a little excited to see how the XFL plays out I’m not big on player safety lol these guys know what there getting themselves into wen they signed up an they make millions.
May 20th, 2019 at 10:31 am
You never know where you next 10 year starting guard is going to come from
May 20th, 2019 at 11:33 am
For crying out loud. Lets see what the kids got before calling him names & declaring he won’t make the team. What the hell is the matter with you people. I hope the hell he does so good that he unseats Jensen. There I said it. Best of luck to you Nate & all your fellow rookies.
May 20th, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Well said Tom