From D2 Darling to NFL Star: Where'd Austin Ekeler Learn to Run Like a Cheetah?
You might know Austin Ekeler as the elusive, shifty running back weaving magic for the Los Angeles Chargers (or maybe, by the time you read this, he's dodging defenders for another lucky team). But before he was a touchdown machine in the NFL, Ekeler was racking up yards in a far less glamorous setting: college football's Division II.
Ditching the Spotlight for the Mountains
Forget the bright lights of Alabama or the historic echoes of Notre Dame. Ekeler's college football journey took him to the beautiful, rugged landscapes of Colorado. That's right, he suited up for the Western Colorado Mountaineers, a team known for their resilience (and maybe killer views from the sidelines).
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| What College Did Austin Ekeler Go To |
Why D2? Did He Bomb Out of Harvard?
Hold on there, tiger. Ekeler wasn't some academic dud relegated to the minor leagues of college football. D2 schools often fly under the radar, but they churn out some serious talent. Ekeler just happened to be a bit of a diamond in the rough. Maybe recruiters got scared off by his height (he's generously listed at 5'8"), but Western Colorado sure wasn't complaining.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Lights Out at Western Colorado
Ekeler turned Western Colorado into his personal highlight reel. He shattered school records left and right, racking up rushing yards, touchdowns, and enough highlight tape to make even the most jaded scout take notice. He dominated Division II so hard, you'd think he accidentally wandered onto the field during a Pop Warner game.
From the Mountains to the Big Leagues (Well, Almost)
Despite his D2 heroics, Ekeler went undrafted in the NFL. But that didn't stop him. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent, and the rest is, as they say, history.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Ekeler: A D2 Success Story
Ekeler's path to the NFL is a testament to hard work and perseverance. It also proves that you don't need a fancy college pedigree to make it in the big leagues. So next time you see Ekeler juking defenders out of their shoes, remember his roots in the mountains of Colorado and the chip on his shoulder that helped him become the star he is today.
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FAQs:
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to get noticed playing D2 football?
Put up monster numbers and make some highlight tapes that'll blow scouts' minds. Ekeler is Exhibit A.
How tall is Austin Ekeler?
Officially, 5'8". But his heart? Infinite.
Should I choose D1 or D2 for college football?
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
It depends on your skills, goals, and academic aspirations. But hey, if you're a baller who thrives under the radar, D2 could be your hidden gem.
What's the difference between D1 and D2 football?
Broadly speaking, D1 schools tend to have bigger budgets, more resources, and a higher profile. But D2 can offer more playing time and a strong sense of community.
Is D2 football a waste of time?
Absolutely not! Plenty of D2 players have gone on to successful NFL careers. Plus, you get to play college football! How cool is that?
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