North Dakota State's Lance declares for NFL draft

North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance is entering the 2021 NFL Draft and won't play in the school's upcoming season, which was postponed until the spring, he told Yahoo Sports' Pete Thamel.

Lance scored four touchdowns - two passing and two rushing - against Central Arkansas in the Bison's lone fall contest Saturday. He won all 17 games he started in his career at North Dakota State and finished with 30 passing touchdowns against one interception.

Despite coming from an FCS school, Lance has been widely projected as a first-round pick in 2021. The upcoming NFL draft is likely to feature Clemson's Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State's Justin Fields at quarterback. Lance "absolutely" believes he can challenge the two college superstars to be the first quarterback selected.

"I'm very confident in myself and my ability both from a mental and physical standpoint," he said.

Lance is looking to follow Easton Stick of the Los Angeles Chargers and Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles as recent North Dakota State quarterbacks to be drafted.