ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM) – Four of the area’s top college football players will get a chance to play NFL football.
(Photo courtesy of @CortlandFB, @CornellSports, @IvyLeague, “X” of IthacaBomberFB)
Local college football stars from Cortland, Ithaca and Cornell will each have a chance to play in the NFL. Former Cornell and Penn State offensive lineman Hunter Nurzad heard his name called by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 NFL Draft. State University of New York Cortland teammates JJ Rupp and Cole Burgess have signed unrestricted free agent contracts with the aim of making NFL rosters. Rupp signed with the Los Angeles Rams, and Burgess joined the Cincinnati Bengals. Ithaca College's Derek Sliuka has earned invitations to the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers rookie minicamp.
Career highlights for each player are listed below.
Hunter Nurzad (OL) – Kansas City Chiefs pick –
Standout offensive lineman Hunter Nurzad was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound blocker began his college career at Cornell University, where he led one of the Ivy League's top offensive lines. Nurzad joined the Big Red in 2018, but exploded onto the scene in 2021. The right tackle and Marietta, Ga. native earned All-American honors and was named Phil Steele's Ivy League Offensive Lineman of the Year. Additionally, Nourzad was a 2021 All-Ivy first team and William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist. Thanks to Nourzad, Cornell's 2021 offensive line allowed just 0.9 sacks per game, best in the Ivy League and fifth-best in the NCAA.
After graduating from Cornell, Nourzad transferred to Penn State for the final two seasons of his college career. With the Nittany Lions, Nurzad guarded the quarterback. The offensive line put up record numbers thanks to the efforts of Sean Clifford, Drew Allard, and Christian Veilleux. The 2023 Chiefs draft pick was named second-team All-Big Ten and was named Penn State's Tim Shaw Thrive Award recipient.
Cole Burgess (WR) – Signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals –
SUNY Cortland's Cole Burgess signed a UFA contract with the Cincinnati Bengals after a stellar career at the NCAA Division III level. Burgess was a four-time All-Empire 8 first-team selection with the Red Dragons, capping his career with a two-touchdown performance in the NCAA Division III national title game. Burgess' second score of the contest was the final game winner.
Over four seasons at Cortland, the all-region wide receiver totaled 3,133 career yards, 178 receptions, and 35 touchdowns. In addition to leading the offensive line, Burgess was equally impressive on special teams. As a kick and punt returner, the D3football.com All-East selection earned him 1,711 yards and three touchdowns in his 75 attempts.
JJ Raab (WR) – Signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams –
As a teammate of Burgess, JJ Raab helped power a top offense at the NCAA Division III level. Raab was a three-time All-Empire 8 selection and won a national title in 2023 at SUNY Cortland before signing a UFA contract with the Los Angeles Rams. In 2023, the Ward Melville graduate recorded his first 1,000-yard season with 250 yards receiving against Susquehanna and a touchdown at the national championship game.
Larp capped off an impressive college career with 167 receptions for 3,125 total yards and 32 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1 receiver also added four solo tackles on defense in 46 career games.
Derek Sliuka (DB) – Invited to Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers rookie minicamp–
Larp, Burgess, and Red Dragons rival Derek Sliuka had a stellar career as a defensive back with the Ithaca Bombers. Sliuka's shutdown defense against the top names in Division III caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Waterloo native earned All-American and All-Conference honors in his three seasons with the Bombers, as well as the 2023 D3football.com His Region Defensive Player of the Year Award. Did. Slywka was also a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award.
In 2023, Slivka ended his career with a significant statement. The region's Defensive Player of the Year recorded 51 total tackles and set career highs in interceptions (six), passes defensed (16) and blocks (two). Slywka's 16 passes defensed tied him for the second-best mark in program history.
The standout defender has built up through an impressive college career. He totaled 119 tackles, 11 interceptions, 30 passes defended, and 4 blocks.
Stick with 18 Sports as local college prospects chase their NFL dreams.
