Coming out of Linsly, Akil Blount had several options to continue his football and academic careers.

He opted for Florida A&M University and he’s simply flourished as a Rattler, despite coaching changes and team struggles.

Blount, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount, is a senior and enjoying his finest season. Actually, he may have had his finest performance last week in the Rattlers’ first victory against Delaware State.

Blount recorded five tackles and stepped in front of a pass and raced it back 75 yards for a touchdown. He also forced a fumble.

The Rattlers’ team captain is going to have the chance to showcase his skills nationally, too. He’s been chosen to take part in the sixth annual Division I FCS Senior Scout Bowl, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Myrtle Beach.

Here’s a look at other area products:

DIVISION I – FBS

DAN MONTEROSO, Purdue – St. Clairsville grad played in last week’s Boilermaker loss to Wisconsin.

NAJEE MURRAY, Kent State – Steubenville grad had three tackles and broke up a pass in last week’s win against UMass.

JERRID MARHEFKA, Ohio – St. Clairsville product played in a loss to Western Michigan.

SHAQ PETTEWAY, West Virginia – Steubenville grad recorded eight tackles in the Mountaineers loss at Baylor.

ROSS COMIS, UMass – Madonna grad appeared in the Minutemen’s loss to Kent.

CONNOR ARLIA, Kent State – Madonna grad appeared in the Flashes’ win against UMass.

DIVISION I – FCS

MARK DODD, Lafayette – Linsly product had a strong outing in a loss to Harvard. He had eight tackles and one for loss.

DIVISION II

MATT KINNICK, West Virginia State – St. Clairsville graduate was 25-of-44 passing for 229 yards and a touchdown in a loss last week.

COREY ERNEST, West Liberty – St. Clairsville graduate started once again at left guard for the Hilltoppers in their win at UVA-Wise.

COLE STEPHEN, West Liberty – St. Clairsville graduate played in the Hilltoppers’ victory against Wise.

MIKE BERARDI, West Liberty – John Marshall product started at right tackle for the Hilltoppers.

MARCUS SCHUMACHER, West Liberty – Monroe Central grad recorded three tackles from his linebacker spot in last week’s win.

DAREE GOODWIN, West Liberty – Wheeling Park product made 5 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. He also had a tackle.

STEPHEN ROGALSKI, West Virginia Wesleyan – Magnolia product had one of his biggest games. He caught 4 passes for 91 yards, including a 62-yard touchdown

TANNER WRIGHT, Glenville State – River product had four punts for a 37.3 yard average in last week’s win at Alderson-Broaddus.

ROBERT VARGO, Ohio Dominican – Martins Ferry grad played in the ODU loss at Ferris State.

ZACH PHILLIPS, Gannon – Wheeling Park product played in his team’s win against Edinboro.

GEREMY PAIGE, Gannon – Wheeling Park grad posted three tackles from his linebacker post.

JESSE STOUDT, Tiffin – Barnesville grad posted two tackles in his team’s victory last week.

DIVISION III

DALTON SECHREST, Marietta – Beallsville grad had six tackles, including one for loss against John Carroll.

JACOB CLARK, Muskingum – Shadyside product started at left guard in the Muskies’ loss.

JONATHAN CARLIER, Waynesburg – Martins Ferry product posted five tackles in a loss to Westminster.

LESHAWN LUKE, Mt. Union – Steubenville grad had two tackles in the Purple Raiders’ win against Heidelberg.

DASHON REDMAN, Mt. Union – Steubenville grad had one tackle in last week’s victory.

MIKE FURDA, Mt. Union – Indian Creek product had three tackles, a sack and forced a fumble in last week’s win.

NICK ASTURI, Muskingum – River grad played in last week’s loss to Otterbein.

BRETT ROSEN, Muskingum – River alum had one tackle in last week’s setback to Otterbein.

DAULTON FREEMAN, Bethany – St. Clairsville grad had two tackles and broke up a pass in a loss to Washington & Jefferson.

CROSS COUNTRY

LAUREN TAROVISKY, Florida Gulf Coast – Wheeling Park product was fourth in the USF Invitational last week. She completed the 6K race in 21 minutes, 54 seconds.

Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com