Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - There was a time when the NFL could easily pluck future quarterback stars from the ranks of major colleges. But with the advent of the spread offense and other changes in the college game, pro teams are having to dig deeper in the pursuit of difference-makers at football's most important position.

Making the task of identifying quarterback talent even more perilous has been the demise of NFL Europe and the Arena Football League as developmental sources.

While Matt Ryan of Boston College and Joe Flacco of Delaware made an immediate impact on the NFL last season, leading the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens into the playoffs as rookies, there are no sure things among the quarterbacks in this NFL draft.

Even if Matthew Stafford of Georgia and Mark Sanchez of USC go high in the first round as expected, there are no guarantees that either will become the next Ryan or Flacco, as opposed to the next Ryan Leaf or Heath Shuler in the NFL bust category.

That brings us to the name of Mike Reilly, who turned in a stellar career at Division II Central Washington. With the dearth of NFL quarterback talent in Division I in this draft class, Reilly could turn out to be an intriguing selection for someone in the mid-to-late rounds.

Reilly has a legitimate shot to become one of the rare small school (non- Division I) quarterbacks to find a niche in the NFL, just as John Kitna did when he came out of Central Washington as a free agent in 1997. Kitna, who helped the Wildcats to the NAIA national title as a junior in 1995, has carved out a 13-year professional career with the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and now the Dallas Cowboys, and is still going strong.

Kitna was brought into Seattle's camp in 1997 largely as a favor to a Central Washington alumnus who was connected with the Seahawks. After winning MVP honors in NFL Europe and leading the Barcelona Dragons to the 1997 World Bowl championship, Kitna was off and running.

Reilly approaches the draft as a higher-profile performer than Kitna. He passed for 3,706 yards with 37 touchdowns and just six interceptions last season and nearly engineered an upset over FCS runner-up Montana.

In that game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Reilly completed 21-of-35 passes for 280 yards, with three TDs and one interception, as Montana struggled to a 38-25 victory. Only Weber State scored more points against the tough Grizzly defense, and no one threw for more yards.

Reilly showed well against higher competition in the East-West Shrine Bowl, nearly pulling off a late comeback, and following up that effort by turning in good combine results. He has a strong arm, good mobility and size to make him one of the better NFL targets among this small schools class.

Reilly could land anywhere from the fifth to the seventh round as he attempts to breathe some rarified air in today's NFL. UC Davis alumnus J.T. O'Sullivan (San Francisco 49ers), St. Cloud State's Todd Bouman (Baltimore Ravens) and Tarleton State's Richard Bartel (Cleveland Browns) are the only Division II quarterbacks that were active in the NFL last season.

There have been some small college talents like Terry Bradshaw of Louisiana Tech, Ron Jaworski of Youngstown State, June Jones and Neil Lomax of Portland State (split time between Division II and I-AA), Jim Zorn of Cal Poly Pomona, Ken O'Brien of UC Davis, Dave Krieg of Milton, Jeff Komlo and Scott Brunner of Delaware and Bill Kenney of Northern Colorado that have made NFL impacts in the past.

But only Kitna, O'Sullivan, Bouman and Chris Greisen - a Northwest Missouri State who played for the Arizona Cardinals before migrating to the Arena Football League - have gone from Division II or below to take regular season snaps in the NFL in the past decade.

Reilly is one of the top half-dozen players in the Division II ranks this season and is one of a likely 10 or 12 small schools players who are expected to be drafted. A handful of other players will likely earn free agent looks from the NFL.

Here is a breakdown of the top small schools candidates and their draft prospects:

1. Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian, 6-0, 181, Wide Receiver

Knox came from the junior college ranks (Tyler J.C.) to establish himself as a star in the high-powered Abilene Christian offense (118 catches for 2,227 yards in two years). His soft hands, concentration skills and 4.3 speed could make him the first small-school player drafted. Knox also showed some ability as a return man in college. He improved his stock with a fine week at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. Projection: 4th round.

2. Gregory Toler, St. Paul's, 5-11, 191, Cornerback-Return Specialist

Toler has been making a late rise on some teams' draft boards. This late bloomer with plenty of upside, is a raw athlete who runs in the 4.4 range, and could give teams value as both a cover man and a kick returner. He also could find his way on to other special teams units, after blocking three kicks as a senior. Toler, who started every game in college, has good hands and intercepted six passes as a freshman before teams quit testing him. He needs to work on his footwork, but could make a quick impact with a team needing help in the secondary. Projection: 4th or 5th round.

3. Mike Reilly, Central Washington, 6-3, 212, Quarterback

Reilly started his college career at Washington State, but moved to Central Washington to get more playing time. The move proved to be a good one in terms of his development as Reilly ended up starting for four years. A strong and intelligent leader with obvious pro talent, Reilly would have likely been thought of as a bigger prospect had he stayed in the Pac-10. He was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award. Projection: 5th or 6th Round.

4. Roger Allen III, Missouri Western, 6-3, 325, Guard

Allen, who went from a 240-pound freshman to over 300 pounds as a senior, is considered a tremendously nice guy off the field, but he has a reputation for a mean streak on it. A sports hernia cost him a chance to show his talent at the NFL combine. He is raw in terms of technique, but has the physical ability to be a strong run blocker in the NFL. Projection: 5th or 6th round.

5. Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman, 6-4, 329, Defensive Tackle

Hill played defensive end in college, but will likely switch to defensive tackle in the NFL. He could also fit well in a 3-4 alignment. Hill is very athletic, is naturally strong and moves well for his size. But some have questioned his work ethic, and he is also considered a bit of a character risk off the field. That said, Hill helped rescue a man from a burning house in 2007, along with two of his teammates. Projection: 6th round.

6. Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian, 5-11, 195, Running Back

Scott has rebuilt his reputation at Abilene Christian after some off-field issues, including several arrests, early in his career. The Central Arkansas transfer (1,026 yards, 11 TDs, 6.3 average in one year there) finished second in Division II with 2,156 rushing yards and also piled up 28 touchdowns as a senior. He performed solidly during his week at the Texas. vs the Nation all- star game. Scott is a speedy all-around back, who is strong for his size and can run inside or outside. He should also be a factor in the passing game. Projection: 6th round.

7. Daniel Skuta, Grand Valley State, 6-3, 249, Inside Linebacker

Skuta's versatile skills make him an interesting prospect for the NFL. He moved around between all linebacking positions and even lined up at defensive end to take advantage of his pass-rushing ability. Skuta might be a good selection for a team that uses a 3-4 defense. Projection: 6th or 7th round.

8. Jared Bronson, Central Washington, 6-4, 254, Tight End

Bronson was one of Reilly's favorite targets at CWU. He is very athletic, is a good blocker and also gets downfield well enough to be a deep threat. This JC transfer (Puma CC) also adjusts well to the ball and makes a lot of difficult catches. Bronson, who played quarterback in high school, was slowed at the NFL combine by some injury issues and also had shoulder and knee woes in college. His father Gordon was a tight end at Washington. Projection: 7th round.

9. Zachary Miller, Nebraska-Omaha, 6-4, 233, Tight End

Miller, who transferred from Nebraska, is a solid athlete (4.57 40) who must find another position after playing quarterback in college. He was a dual threat as a runner and a passer at Nebraska-Omaha and also was a team captain for three seasons. Miller could even be a candidate to play in a Wildcat formation in the NFL. He could be a great developmental talent for the team willing to wait for him. Projection: 7th round.

10. Branden Ore, West Liberty State, 5-11, 214, Running Back

Ore was a star at Virginia Tech (1,784 yards in two years) before an arrest (charges were later dropped) and other problems led to his transfer. He probably has third-round talent, but his off-field issues have hurt him severely. Ore is an every-down type of back, who does everything well. Projection: 7th round or free agent.

11. Jason Boltus, Hartwick, 6-3, 225, Quarterback

Boltus could be the lone Division III player taken in this year's draft. Scouts have been impressed by his arm strength and his athleticism, but Boltus needs some work on his touch and is still very raw. But he could take advantage of the lack of quality quarterbacks around to turn some heads. Projection: 7th round or free agent.

12. Larry Beavers, Wesley, 5-10, 167, Wide Receiver-Return Specialist

Beavers shattered all sorts of records during a dynamic D-III career. His biggest NFL talent might be as a return man, after Beavers ran an NCAA-record 10 kickoffs and punt back for touchdowns during his four years at Wesley. He has similar talent and size to former Payton Award finalist DaVon Fowlkes of Appalachian State or ex-McNeese State star B.J. Sams, and the size issue will have to be overcome. Projection: 7th round or free agent.

13. Pete Ittersagen, Wheaton, 5-10, 191, Cornerback

Ittersagen would like to be the second player from D-III Wheaton to be drafted in consecutive years, joining linebacker Andy Studebaker, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles last year. Ittersagen is a 4.4-range speedster with plenty of athleticism, who could turn into a solid defender for a team willing to develop him. Projection: 7th round or free agent.

14. Mike Washington, West Chester, 5-10, 181, Wide Receiver

Washington was a dynamic force and big-play performer for West Chester, setting plenty of records and was named a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award. He became the third receiver in NCAA history to have four 1,000-yard seasons and caught passes in a Division II record 50 games (every game of his career). Washington is a tough and durable performer, who plays through injuries, runs great routes and has tremendous hands. Washington was a team captain for the Golden Rams and started every game of his college career. Projection: Free agent.

15. Jace Rindahl, Wisconsin-Whitewater, 6-2, 234, Inside Linebacker

Rindahl has been a force in the middle of one of Division III's top defenses. He had 103 tackles, three sacks and five interceptions as a senior, but will have to overcome what are considered to be speed issues. He is a strong leader who helped Wisconsin-Whitewater to runner-up finishes nationally in three of his four years. Projection: Free agent.

16. Julius Pruitt, Ouachita Baptist, 6-2, 210, Wide Receiver

Pruitt has enough of a combination of size, strength and athleticism to make him a prospect. He also has good hands and blossomed over his final two college years to grab 129 passes for 1,839 yards and 18 TDs. Pruitt needs to improve his route-running ability and would be a project for NFL teams. Projection: Free agent.

17. Charly Martin, West Texas A&M, 6-1, 205, Wide Receiver

Martin came on strong during his final two seasons, taking advantage of his size to become a prospect. He has a reputation for catching almost any ball near him, but doesn't have elite speed and struggled some with shoulder and ankle injuries during his college career. Martin has plenty of intangibles, and was a good student and team captain. He could develop as a possession receiver in time, though he is somewhat raw. Projection: Free agent.

18. Sam Allen, Grand Valley State, 6-6, 280, Offensive Tackle

Allen is a smart and athletic performer with plenty of room for development and has a frame that can be bulked up. He needs to improve his strength and is currently more of a finesse blocker, who has excelled in zone blocking schemes. Allen was slowed by injuries early in his career, but came on to help Grand Valley State win a couple of national championships. He could be a steal for a patient NFL team. Projection: Free agent.

19. Keith Null, West Texas A&M, 6-3, 232, Quarterback

Null has the size and throwing ability to get an NFL look after finishing second in Division II in passing last season. Null threw for 5,097 yards and 48 touchdowns in the high-octane West Texas A&M attack, but he was intercepted 15 times. He also completed 68.5% of his passes. But Null is still very unpolished and would be a developmental player in the NFL. Projection: Free agent.

20. T.J. Williams, Valdosta State, 6-2, 185, Wide Receiver-Returnman

Williams is a nomadic, junior-eligible player who has the type of bloodlines to interest the NFL. He is the brother of All-Pro San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie and is a cousin of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the first-round cornerback from Tennessee State that made a quick mark with the Arizona Cardinals last fall. Williams originally committed at Clemson, but didn't qualify academically. After a year at Fork Union Military Academy, Williams went to Michigan State before an arrest and other troubles led to his transfer to Valdosta State. There is no questioning his athleticism and speed, but character issues could get in Williams' way of a pro career. Projection: Free agent.

Other players, by position, who might end up in NFL camps include:

Quarterback: Dan Juvan, Ithaca; Billy Malone, Abilene Christian; Greg Micheli, Mount Union.

Running Back: Nate Kmic, Mount Union; Michael McClendon, North Alabama; Matt Moore, North Greenville; Jerry Seymour, Glenville State.

Fullback: Maurice Manley, Mesa State.

Wide Receiver: Darryl Bennett, Fayetteville State; Gregory Betterson, Delta State; Jarrett Byers, Northeastern Oklahoma State; Jerome Choice, Virginia State; Rocky Coleman, North Alabama; Jon Davis, Azusa Pacific; Clarence Denmark, Arkansas-Monticello; Edward Gant, North Alabama; Garett Manning, Henderson State; Marcel Pestino, California, PA; Jack Phelan, Hartwick; Aaron Waldie, Hillsdale.

Tight End: Jeremy Mercer, Montclair State; Harold Whitten, Carson-Newman.

Offensive Line: Tommy Crowley, West Texas A&M; Jeremy Davis, Northwest Missouri State; Ryan Delrosal, Dixie State; Joseph Thompson, Abilene Christian; Fred Tucker, Texas College; Lou West, Henderson State; Jason Wombough, Montclair State.

Defensive Line: Chris Dowdell, Mars Hill; Louis Ellis, Shaw; Ryan Kees, St. Cloud State; Mario Lane, Morehouse; Dexter Manley, West Texas A&M; Brandon Swain, West Texas A&M; Jake Visser, Ferris State; Andre Wright, Glenville State.

Linebacker: Darren Burns, California PA; Jonathan Foster, Central State; Terrence Jackson, Indiana PA; Thomas Korte, Hillsdale; Garry Pack, West Alabama; Troy Pribow, Wayne State, NE; Courtney Vincent, Tarleton State; Willie Williams, Union College.

Cornerback: Darren Banks, West Liberty State; Dante Dunn, Wayne State, MI; Robert Haynes, Michigan Tech; Steven Jackson, Fort Valley State; Courtney Smith, Central Washington; Denarius Waites, Carson-Newman; Tremaine Wright, Tarleton State; James Williams, Southern Connecticut State.

Strong Safeties: Chauncey Calhoun, Valley City State; Joel Stevens, Evangel; Joe Slabaugh, Ohio Dominican.

Free Safety: Dominique Brooks, East Central Oklahoma; Dre-Mail Hardin, Stillman.

Kicker: Jared Keating, Mesa State; Tom Schneider, North Alabama.

Punter: Jamie Hanson, Missouri Western.