Reliable Drake fullback with hands, leadership, and winning-game value
Gage Vander Leest is a fifth-year Drake fullback who brings more than old-school toughness: in the 2023 season, he caught 5 passes for 21 yards and a touchdown, was named a captain, and earned PFL All-Academic Second Team honors, which points to a dependable, high-IQ leader with real buy-in on and off the field. He also showed clutch value when he secured an onside kick in Drake’s 16-14 PFL-clinching win over Presbyterian, the kind of detail coaches love in a role player who can tilt winning moments.
