DREAM CHASIN': NMU's Witt Entering NFL Draft

Click the AUDIO button to hear Jack Hall's interview with Jake Witt.

MARQUETTE---Northern Michigan University senior and former Ewen-Trout Creek standout Jake Witt declared for the National Football League Draft on Thursday.

The 6-foot-7, 280-pound tight end/offensive lineman knows it's a long shot, but is willing to take that shot with hopes of someday playing on Sundays.

"I think the chances of me getting drafted are low," Witt told RRN Sports Thursday night. "Coming from a small school, NMU is not huge, the GLIAC is a great conference, but it is Division Two. I only played a year in my position. So, the chances of me being drafted are low, but the chances of me going as an undrafted free agent are quite a bit higher."

"So, that's kind of where my mind is set. Being drafted would be a dream, but I'm not banking on that. I'm training to get to that next level, and I'm confident that I can get there."

In high school, Witt played on the Ewen-Trout Creek/Ontonagon eight-man football team, but was best known for his basketball abilities, where he was one of the top players in the state. And basketball brought him, initially, to Michigan Tech University. After his time there, he deciced to transfer to NMU, and to switch his sport to football.

"Being up at Tech, it's a great basketball program, and a great bunch of guys and coaches," Witt said. "I was playing well as a true freshman, but my head wasn't into basketball anymore. I was burned out and needed a change. So, I transferred to NMU, and I was just a student for that first semeseter. But then they talked me into coming out for football that next semeseter, and the rest is history from there."

Well, not quite. Witt signed on as a tight end in 2021, but in 2022, the Wildcats had injuries on the line, so the team needed him to fill in on that side of the ball. He did.

“After ten minutes of coaching Jake to play a whole new position, he allowed zero sacks or pressures against the best defensive lines in the country,” NMU Interim Head Coach Dylan Chmura said. "Jake is 6’7” and runs like a deer. Having played and coached in the Big Ten Conference, (I think) he has all the intangibles that will allow him to play for a long time given the chance."

Witt was an honorable mention All-GLIAC selection for his offensive tackle play.

To even be in this position, Witt gives all the credit to Dustin Brancheau, the former Republic-Michigamme High School basketball standout who started the physcial fitness company AdvantEdge in Marquette. Witt says training there had made all the difference.

"Without Dustin, I wouldn't be playing football right now," Witt said. "When I came to NMU, he's the guy that got me in there training. He got me back into the competitive mindset. He eventually talked me into getting back on the team."

"What he does is amazing. He should get a lot more recognition for what he does. He's done things over there that has really transformed me as an athlete and as a person. I wouldn't have this opportunity and I wouldn't be even close to where I am if it weren't for him."

Witt says he will be training hard all winter for the "Pro Day" that will happen in mid-March, with the goal of being invited to a larger-school Pro Day in Lower Michigan. Then, he will put himself on display for scouts. After that, the draft preparation begins, and if he doesn't hear his name called, then free agency and mini-camps after that.

"I know I can get there," Witt said. "I'm just waiting for that shot when it comes."

---MORE---