The 2022 NFL Draft saw two former Roadrunners, Tariq Woolen and Spencer Burford, selected within the first five rounds. Since then, zero UTSA alumni have been selected, despite players like wide receiver Joshua Cephus and safety Rashad Wisdom entering their names into the draft pool. The 2025 NFL Draft presents a new opportunity for these few UTSA alumni to hear their names called on stage in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Zah Frazier, defensive back
Frazier is the only player on this list who has received an official invite to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The 6-foot-3 boundary corner caught the eye of scouts across the nation with his stellar play in the Roadrunners’ 2024 campaign. Frazier totaled 24 tackles, six interceptions and five pass breakups en route to earning American Football All-Conference First Team honors. It’s easy to make the comparison due to the similar measurables, but Frazier is already drawing comparisons to the aforementioned Woolen with their knack for forcing timely turnovers. After examining the film from his final season with the ‘Runners, one could argue Frazier is the most well-rounded defensive back prospect to come out of UTSA.
Joe Evans, defensive line
The LSU transfer was an impactful addition to the Roadrunners back in 2022. He earned a Third-Team All-American Athletic Conference selection for his efforts back in 2023, and his ability to clog up running lanes and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage earned him an invitation to the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. The Louisiana native boasted an average missed-tackle rate of 10% or less in two of his three years at UTSA. Evans missed most of the 2024 season after suffering a knee injury in the Roadrunners’ week five contest against East Carolina University, yet projects to be fully healthy in 2025 and ready to contribute to any team willing to select him.
Oscar Cardenas, tight end
Cardenas’ tenure with UTSA started way back in 2019 when Frank Wilson was head coach of the Roadrunners. Despite never reaching the 500 receiving yard mark, Cardenas earned his stripes by being a tough blocker and a sure-handed receiver. Cardenas has more years of experience than he has drops, only dropping four passes in his time at UTSA. His value comes as a force in the run game and a clutch-catch machine, as North Texas fans remember all too well. The San Antonio native has represented the UTSA brand and the Triangle of Toughness consistently for years on end and would be a welcomed addition to almost any NFL franchise looking to add to their tight end room.
The 2025 NFL Draft takes place April 24-28. Be on the lookout for these former ‘Runners’ names as they await the phone call that could change their lives forever.
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