The Detroit Lions aren’t short of Michigan representation, with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, wide receiver Ronnie Bell, offensive lineman Graham Glasgow and defensive lineman Pat O’Conner playing at Michigan schools before graduating to Honolulu Blue.

But the Lions also have a connection to some lesser-known Michigan schools.

Two players on the team’s active roster hail from Division II programs: linebacker Anthony Pittman (Wayne State) and linebacker Trevor Nowaske (Saginaw Valley State).

Additionally, two players at this week’s rookie camp hail from D-II ball: 2025 third-round draft pick Isaac TeSlaa (Hillsdale College) and undrafted signee Ian Kennelly (Grand Valley State).

The Lions, however, don’t show a special preference for local players when evaluating talent, according to assistant general manager Ray Agnew.

“I wouldn’t say we pay special attention. We like good football players,” he said. “And of course we like Detroit kids, and local kids making the team is always a good story.”

Though TeSlaa transferred to Arkansas for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Hudsonville native played his first three college years at Hillsdale.

But TeSlaa said that didn’t slow him down while chasing his NFL dream:

“I tried not to think too much in the future, kind of live in the present. Obviously, do everything I could to set myself up to get to this level at some point,” he said. “When I was old enough to think, I was always thinking I was going to be an NFL player.”

As an undrafted rookie out of Grand Valley State, Kennelly wasn’t as confident as TeSlaa about his own humble college beginnings:

“No matter what level you play, your odds aren’t great, right? My mindset has always been, ‘just keep working, just try to outwork everyone.’ And I knew that if I did that, it would all work out,” he said.

One thing that Kennelly values at the Lions facility is the proximity to his family and friends.

“I don’t have to worry about the travel. Anything I need, I got a great support staff, I got friends and family all in the area,” he said. “So it’s really a blessing, right, just not having to leave the state.”

One model both rookies can follow is that of Nowaske, who initially signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Saginaw Valley State in 2023 before eventually making the team.

Though he was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals off waivers in 2024, he made his way back to the Lions in September and ended up making two starts for Detroit.

“I’m from here, went to college here, this is my first NFL team, I had never been outside of Michigan living wise,” he told the Free Press in September. “Like I said, we’re back where we belong.”

That’s a sentiment shared by TeSlaa, who grew up a Lions fan and who Agnew said was “born to be a Lion.”

“To be wearing my own number, my name on the back, and just go out here and make plays and just learn the offense and just be a part of this, it’s awesome,” TeSlaa said.

This group of Lions rookies features other Michigan natives, including running back Anthony Tyus III (Portage) and tight end Caden Prieskorn (Lake Orion). But on the first day of rookie camp, more eyes were on TeSlaa, who last played at Ford Field winning a state championship in 2018 as the quarterback for Hudsonville Unity Christian.

“That was a dream in and of itself to out there and win a state championship (at) Ford Field.

Little did I know I’d be back a little bit later wearing the Lions’ jersey.”