Schlosser Commits To NDSU Football As Preferred Walk-On
By Erika Littlefield, MCP Intern
Drake Schlosser, a senior at Stanley High School and standout multi-sport athlete, has committed to play Division I football at North Dakota State University as a preferred walk-on. He will report to summer camp in Fargo on June 9, marking the beginning of his next chapter in a football journey that has been shaped by discipline, resilience, and preparation.
Schlosser, who was ranked the top wide receiver in North Dakota at a summer camp held in Jamestown, received interest from multiple college programs, including full scholarship offers. Ultimately, he chose NDSU, citing the strength of the Bison football program and its reputation for investing in its athletes. The decision to walk on at a nationally respected FCS powerhouse over scholarship offers from smaller schools was based on fit, development potential, and trust in the coaching staff.
The road to this opportunity began during his junior year, when conversations with scouts and strong performances at summer football camps put him on the radar. By senior year, he had gained enough attention to be considered for the Bison’s roster. “They saw enough out of me,” Schlosser said. “From there, things just took off.”
Preparing for the physical demands of the program, Schlosser has committed himself to an eight-week strength and conditioning program, along with regular fieldwork alongside a training partner. His training focuses on building the speed, endurance, and toughness required to compete at the Division I level. His summer will be focused entirely on weight training and conditioning in Fargo.
He’s well aware of the challenge ahead. “The competition is going to be more intense, and the speed of the game will be a step up,” Schlosser said. “I’ll have to prove that I belong.” He views his role as a preferred walk-on as an opportunity, not a limitation, describing himself as an underdog with something to prove every day he steps onto the field.
Schlosser transitioned to wide receiver after an injury during high school ended his time as quarterback. Initially unsure if he would return to football at all, he was encouraged by his coach and mentor, Jaxton Lorenz, who reignited his passion for the sport and assisted in reaching out to college programs. Schlosser credits Lorenz with playing a key role in keeping him on track during a difficult time. “He gave me my love for the game back,” Schlosser said.
Lorenz’s support, combined with Schlosser’s drive, helped elevate him to the level needed to compete at NDSU. When asked how other student-athletes can get noticed, Schlosser’s advice is simple: “You have to advertise yourself. Put your name out there and keep working.”
A dedicated student as well as an athlete, Schlosser is a member of the National Honor Society and has maintained a strong academic record throughout high school. Even with graduation on the horizon, he continues to focus on finishing strong in the classroom. He credits a strong personal mentality for his consistency, saying, “You can’t think about being watched. You just play your game. If you start doing it for someone else, you won’t get where you want to go.”
Outside of sports and academics, Schlosser relies on his faith to carry him through high-pressure situations. “When things get stressful, I pray about it,” he said. “I believe God doesn’t put me through anything I can’t handle.”
His parents, Dennis Schlosser and Katherine Acfalle, have been his biggest supporters throughout his journey, attending games, traveling to camps, and encouraging him to keep going, especially through moments of doubt. Schlosser says their support has been critical to his progress.
As he prepares for life as a student-athlete at NDSU, Schlosser is focused on getting stronger, learning from new teammates, and embracing the challenges that lie ahead. “You have to have the mindset that you belong there,” he said. “And every day, you go out and prove it.”