AP photo Minnesota offensive lineman Blaise Andries (77) during the first half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl NCAA college football game against West Virginia on Dec. 28, 2021.

MARSHALL — After the city of Marshall got to celebrate one of its own when quarterback Trey Lance was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in last year’s NFL Draft, they didn’t have to wait long for the opportunity to do it again.

University of Minnesota offensive lineman Blaise Andries has the chance to follow in his former Marshall High School teammate’s footsteps by being selected in this year’s draft, which begins tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada. Andries is currently projected as either a seventh-round selection or a “priority free agent”, based on ratings on NFL.com. But he isn’t letting those ratings affect him.

“I just try to keep myself busy and work out,” Andries said. “I’m also not a student anymore but I’ve been studying plays and watching film and just keep myself busy.”

Andries isn’t the only Gopher who could have their dreams of playing in the NFL come true this weekend. Five other Minnesota players, including fellow offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, could see their names called. Andries and Faalele could also set history by becoming the first offensive linemen selected from the Gophers football program in 16 years, when center Greg Eslinger went to the Denver Broncos in the sixth round and guard Mark Setterstrom was picked by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round in 2006.

Andries said it’s been “surreal” to go through this journey with his teammates and fun to see their training pay off, especially his linemate Faalele.

“It’s been a lot of fun. Daniel was in Los Angeles I think training and I would call him every other week and catch up with him,” Andries said. “And then seeing all of them after two months at the combine and just doing our pro day and meetings together, it’s been surreal. I really enjoyed playing next to them.”

Putting in the work

Andries declared for the draft in late December after the Gophers defeated West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Since then, Andries worked out and prepared for the draft at the EXOS training facilities in Phoenix, Arizona. On March 4, Andries participated in the NFL Combine, where he ran a 5.10-second 40-yard dash and had a Relative Athletic Score of 9.72 out of 10.

Andries said he’s continuing to work out and train with some former teammates and has been working on his speed and conditioning as well as strength and more applied individual work.

“I was training at EXOS in Phoenix but now I’m back in Minnesota at the U of M training with my strength coaches and former teammates Ko Kieft, Phillip Howard and Sam Schlueter,” Andries said. “It’s more into football conditioning and individual work now and just working on speed and strength but it’s more applied.”

‘I owe them a lot’

Being at the only Division I school in Minnesota until the University of St. Thomas joined this past year, Andries has been surrounded by several players who have gone on to get drafted during his time with the Gophers. Andries said both U of M head coach P.J. Fleck and offensive line coach Brian Callahan have established a culture of strong character with their players over the years and know what NFL teams are looking for.

“Both P.J. Fleck and Brian Callahan have had lots of talents drafted and have been around to know what pro teams are looking for,” Andries said. “What Fleck does is create a culture of building you into a better man/person and it pays dividends down the road. If you show up and outwork people left and right it will pay off. With Callahan, he knows what NFL offensive linemen look like and he does a great job of developing them.”

Another person Andries frequently talks with is his high school coach Terry Bahlmann. After Andries finished the combine, Bahlmann was the first person he talked to and Andries is grateful for all of the help his coaches have offered.

“Terry was the first person I talked to after the combine at my sister Brooke’s game [Section 2AAA girls basketball championship] and I was just picking his mind,” Andries said. “He’s been an amazing help and reaches out to me or I try to call him every couple of weeks. He does such a great job of preparing his student-athletes. Fleck also does a great job of preparing us for the rest of our lives. I owe them a lot for what they’ve helped me with.”

Andries added he occasionally reaches out to his former teammates such as Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who was the 27th overall pick last year. Another person is Lance.

Andries said those connections have been useful whenever he needs advice on playing at the next level.

“I’ve texted Trey and reached out to Bates,” Andries said. “All in all, the connections I’ve made through the University of Minnesota have helped me a lot just getting their thoughts on playing in the NFL.”

‘Something we’re

all really proud of’

In addition to the support of his coaches and teammates, Andries said the level of support from the Marshall community has been incredible and has had a lot of people reach out to him whenever he comes back to town.

“It’s been amazing. Every time I’m in Marshall it’s fun to see some people you haven’t seen for a long time reach out to you,” Andries said. “After Easter Sunday mass, I had an old teacher from grade school at Holy Redeemer talk with me for a little bit or just hanging out with my dad’s friends or my friends and being around them has been great.”

Bahlmann said it’s special to be able to have another player from their program have the chance to accomplish their dreams of playing in the NFL, especially in back-to-back years.

‘It’s very exciting, not only for Blaise and his family but for us as a program,” Bahlmann said. “To have two guys going to the NFL in back-to-back years is amazing for a community of our size. It’s been his dream and now we’re just hoping and waiting to see what team picks him.”

Bahlmann added both Andries and Lance are giving the next generation of players and kids in Marshall something to work towards.

“For the young guys, it gives them a chance to have realistic goals of playing in the NFL and that they can be found in a town like Marshall,” Bahlmann said. “It’s something we’re all really proud of.”

Whenever he gets selected, Andries said he’s excited to start a new chapter and get right back to work.

“I’m excited to know where I’ll end up and overall just have some clarity,” Andries said. “It’s been an exciting process and I’m excited to get after it and work with a new team.”