Former South Dakota State University standout running back Zach Zenner announced Saturday night that he has received an offer to join the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.
South Dakota cornerback Steve Tellefsen has signed an undrafted free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings and offensive tackle Matt Huffer has done the same with the Atlanta Falcons. Both will report to their respective team’s rookie mini camp later this month.
A three-time consensus All-American, Zenner became the first player in Division I football history to rush for 2,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He gained 2,044 yards in leading the Football Championship Subdivision in 2012, tallied 2,014 in 2013 and racked up 2,019 yards as a senior in 2014. His 6,548 career rushing yards are a Missouri Valley Football Conference record and rank third in FCS history.
Zenner, a native of Eagan, Minnesota, crossed the 100-yard mark in 32 games and topped the 200-yard mark eight times as a Jackrabbit. He also holds the MVFC record for career all-purpose yards with 8,211 as he also tallied 909 receiving yards and 754 yards on kickoff return during his collegiate career.
Tellefsen of Weston, Fla., competed in two seasons for the Coyotes after transferring in from Arizona Western College. He had 26 tackles, one interception and forced a fumble this past season. He was also credited with eight passes defended.
Huffer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, started 34 consecutive games at left tackle for South Dakota during his four-year career. He helped lead an offense that averaged 166 yards rushing and 189 yards passing per game this past season. Huffer rejoins teammate Tyler Starr whom he competed with for three seasons at South Dakota.
