Grand Rapids Reporter

Mason Pline, a former Ferris State University football national champion and two-sport athlete, has signed a free agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers following the recent NFL Draft. Pline, who played as a graduate transfer at Furman University last fall, joins fellow Ferris State alum Shon Stephens in pursuing opportunities in the NFL. Stephens received a rookie minicamp invitation from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pline began his collegiate career in basketball under head coach Andy Bronkema at Ferris State, playing 83 games between 2018 and 2021. He was part of the team that won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship in the 2019-20 season. In 2021, he transitioned to football and participated in back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championship seasons with head coach Tony Annese's team.

During his time at Furman University, Pline recorded 32 catches for 287 yards and earned all-conference honors. His performance contributed to Furman's successful season, which ended with a run to the FCS National Quarterfinals. Following this past season, Pline showcased his skills at both the Hula Bowl and Shrine Bowl collegiate all-star events.

Ferris State has seen numerous alumni pursue careers in professional football. Six years ago, Zach Sieler became Ferris State's first-ever NFL Draft pick when selected by the Baltimore Ravens. The university boasts having more players in NFL preseason camps over recent summers than any other Division II school.

Currently, four former Bulldogs are active with NFL teams: Tavierre Thomas (Tampa Bay), Zach Sieler (Miami), Malik Taylor (New York Jets), and Caleb Murphy (Tennessee). Other alumni have also competed professionally in various leagues.

Since 2016, ten former Ferris State players have appeared in at least one NFL regular-season game. Despite only one player being drafted into the NFL from Ferris State, many others have secured contracts as free agents over nine consecutive seasons.