(This is the second part of a two-part story). Check out the first report from Tyson Bagent’s Shepherd University Pro Day workout here.
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — A common refrain from under-recruited high school student-athletes is that they are being “slept on” by college programs. It may be an overused expression but it certainly applies in the case of Martinsburg High School graduate Tyson Bagent. He led the Bulldogs to state titles in 2016 and 2017.
With minimal interest from programs like West Virginia and Maryland under previous coaching staffs, Bagent opted to play at Division II Shepherd. 53 games and 171 touchdowns later, Bagent is on the doorstep of a spot in the NFL.
“I just knew that my path was going to be a little different,” Bagent said. “I wasn’t necessarily a roadblock, it was just a different pathway, so to speak. That’s kind of how I viewed it. I don’t really have any chip on my shoulder. I don’t understand why they didn’t recruit me. But that’s not for me to understand. I am just trying to put my best foot forward.”
Tyson’s younger brother Ezra served as his snapper for Pro Day drills on Tuesday and Ezra is set to join the Rams this fall. Both quarterbacks grew up in the highly-successful Martinsburg program.
“There were a lot of similarities offensively and in the weight room aspect. I feel like the amount I cared about football in general I think kind of propelled me to be ready for the next level here at Shepherd.”
In his junior season of 2021, Bagent passed for an even 5,000 yards with 53 touchdown passes. He was named the Division II National Player of the Year and at that moment, he sensed dreams of a career in professional football could soon be realized.
“It was a little bit more realistic maybe after I won the Harlon Hill [Award]. Anytime before that, people say a lot of crazy stuff. But being able to win that award against people that are also pursuing this dream made me feel good. It gave me a lot of confidence that I needed and it kind of got my name out there.”
It is difficult to project where Bagent may slot in as a potential draft pick. But gaining invitations to the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine with a heavily-attended Pro Day are all indications that interest from teams is strong.
The three-day NFL Draft is set for the final weekend in April. Bagent is planning a relaxed weekend as he waits to find out where his NFL future will take him.
“Laid back and low-key. I will celebrate after. That’s a little bit of a ‘hot take’ having a celebration during because then you might be there twiddling your thumbs and everybody is wondering.”