Detroit Lions Turn to Local Division II Talent, Inviting Two Michigan Standouts to Rookie Minicamp in Unexpected Opportunity

The Detroit Lions have built a reputation under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes as a franchise that embraces grit, opportunity, and finding talent in unconventional places. In keeping with that ethos, the team made headlines during its 2025 rookie minicamp by extending invitations to two Division II players from Michigan — a move that reflects not only the Lions’ commitment to unearthing overlooked talent but also the rich, often untapped vein of football potential that exists across the state’s smaller programs.

The names may not resonate nationally, but for those familiar with Michigan’s Division II football scene, the invites were a validation of years of hard work and perseverance. Linebacker James “J.T.” Morgan out of Saginaw Valley State and wide receiver DeAndre Harris from Ferris State are the two players turning heads with their unexpected opportunity to suit up at Allen Park for rookie camp. Neither player was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and both faced the all-too-common hurdle of limited visibility that often plagues Division II prospects. But talent — especially the kind forged in relentless work ethic and proven production — has a way of breaking through.

For Morgan, the invitation represents more than a shot at the NFL; it’s the continuation of a journey that has seen him rise from a lightly recruited high school player in Grand Rapids to a defensive standout in the GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, sharp instincts, and leadership qualities, Morgan racked up over 100 tackles in each of his final two seasons. Despite his 6-foot, 225-pound frame being considered undersized by some NFL standards, his motor and football IQ make him a natural fit in a Detroit system that values high-effort defenders.

“He’s the kind of guy you root for,” said one GLIAC coach who faced Morgan’s Saginaw Valley squad last fall. “You watch the film, and it’s just tackle after tackle. He’s always around the ball.”

The Lions clearly saw something similar when they decided to give Morgan a chance. Rookie minicamp is often the first professional step for drafted players and high-priority undrafted free agents, but it can also be a proving ground for small-school prospects who, if they impress enough, can earn a contract and spot in training camp.

Harris, meanwhile, brings a different kind of dynamic to the table. A deep-threat receiver with big-play ability, he helped Ferris State maintain its status as a Division II powerhouse throughout his career. Though he battled injuries in his senior year, his junior season was filled with explosive highlights, including multiple 100-yard games and several acrobatic touchdown catches that showcased his 6-foot-1 frame, body control, and reliable hands.

Ferris State head coach Tony Annese, long respected for developing pro-caliber talent in Big Rapids, was effusive in his praise of Harris when news of the invite broke. “DeAndre is a special athlete,” Annese said. “He’s been through adversity, worked his way back, and now he’s getting a real shot. I’m thrilled for him.”

It’s no accident the Lions are looking close to home for talent. With the roster in a competitive stage and eyes fixed on a return to the NFC Championship Game, Detroit is not just assembling depth — it’s looking for hidden gems who can contribute now or become developmental success stories. Players like Malcolm Rodriguez, a former sixth-round pick who played significant snaps as a rookie, set the template. If Morgan or Harris can turn heads at camp, there’s a path for them.

The Lions’ willingness to explore the Division II ranks is a nod to the team’s broader philosophy of evaluating players by what they put on tape and how they carry themselves, rather than simply what school logo appears on their helmet. This meritocratic approach stands in contrast to many franchises that focus almost exclusively on Power Five resumes, often ignoring prospects from smaller programs unless they dominate statistically or test off the charts athletically.

Detroit’s scouting department, led by Holmes and a staff that includes multiple former players, prides itself on digging deep. Whether it’s visiting regional combines, attending pro days at small colleges, or combing through lesser-known game film, the Lions believe in comprehensive talent evaluation. The invitations extended to Morgan and Harris serve as both an opportunity for those players and a statement about Detroit’s approach.

“This team wants competitors, guys who love the game and won’t back down,” one Lions assistant coach said off the record. “Whether you played at Alabama or Ferris State, if you can play, you can play.”

For both Morgan and Harris, the road to this moment hasn’t been easy. Division II football lacks the glamour, facilities, and exposure of the FBS level. Travel often involves long bus rides, and players balance academics with football on tighter budgets and less fanfare. NFL scouts rarely attend their games unless there’s a highly regarded player drawing attention. That makes it all the more impressive when a D-II athlete earns even a minicamp invite.

What comes next for the duo will depend on how they perform in drills, how quickly they can absorb defensive and offensive schemes, and how they carry themselves in front of the coaching staff. Rookie minicamp typically runs over a weekend and includes physical testing, position-specific work, team meetings, and walk-throughs. It’s a crash course in professional football, and for players on the fringe, it’s also a pressure-packed audition.

While some players leave with a handshake and a “thanks for coming,” others parlay the opportunity into a full training camp invite, and in rare cases, a roster spot. For example, in 2022, then-Division II standout Tyson Bagent from Shepherd University impressed enough in his rookie minicamp with the Bears to eventually make the 53-man roster and even start games during his rookie season.

Morgan and Harris will be aiming for a similar breakthrough. If nothing else, their presence at Lions rookie minicamp has already turned heads in Michigan’s football community. Former teammates, coaches, and fans of both Saginaw Valley State and Ferris State have rallied behind the players, turning their invitations into feel-good stories that stretch far beyond football.

The Lions, for their part, are doing more than giving two young men a chance. They are affirming the idea that football talent can emerge from anywhere — and that the road to the NFL doesn’t have to run through Tuscaloosa or Columbus to matter. It’s a continuation of a cultural shift in Detroit that emphasizes hunger over hype and determination over draft status.

“People want to play here now because they know it’s about more than politics,” said a former Lions player turned analyst. “It’s about how you perform, how you compete. That’s all anyone can ask for.”

As rookie minicamp continues, eyes will be on the draft picks and high-profile signees, as expected. But in the shadows of those headlines are two young men from Michigan, representing the dreams of every small-school athlete who’s ever believed they deserved a chance. Whether Morgan and Harris ultimately make the team or not, their invitations symbolize the kind of culture Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are cultivating — one built on effort, belief, and the courage to look beyond the obvious.

For now, Morgan and Harris will lace up their cleats, step onto the same field as former five-star recruits and All-Americans, and do what they’ve done their whole careers — work, compete, and prove they belong. Whether their story ends at rookie minicamp or unfolds into something more, they’ve already made a lasting impression.