Georgia K Rodrigo Blankenship

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, in our final Big Board post, we feature specialists:

THREE TO WATCH

Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia: The quirky kicker is known as “Hot Rod” and has released his own rap song, but what has drawn the most attention is his powerful leg to boot. His father played football at Florida and has coached soccer for the past 30 years in Brazil, passing down his technique that has helped make Blankenship one of the most consistent kickers in college football. In 2018, Blankenship nailed all 65 of his extra point attempts, while connecting on 19-of-23 field goals (82.6%), including a long of 53 yards.

Tyler Bass, Georgia Southern: An extremely consistent kicker, Bass has shown a knack for converting in the clutch, nailing several field goals and game winners as time has expired. He has connected on 34-of-40 career field goal attempts, with a long of 50 yards. Bass also possesses a powerful leg on kickoffs with 143 touchbacks during the past three seasons and has filled in on occasion as punter when needed, averaging 48 yards per punt on five attempts. Finally, who doesn’t like a tough kicker? Bass isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty and made six tackles last season. He has earned All-Sun Belt honors in each of the past two seasons.

Alex Pechin, Bucknell: A three-time All-Patriot selection and two-time team captain, Pechin has proven to be a do-it-all talent during his time at Bucknell. Not only is he one of the top punter prospects in college football, but he also handles kickoff and field goal duties while serving as the holder on extra points. For his career, Pechin has averaged an impressive 43.7 yards per punt, including a booming 71-yard punt against Villanova last season.

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

To play specialist in the NFL is all about one thing: consistency.

For punters, scouts want to see someone with an athletic body who can adjust to an off-target snap; soft hands to catch the ball away from his body and out front to initiate the drop; leg strength to get good pop on the ball that will carry it deep downfield; and, accurate placement across the field to avoid a dangerous returner.

Kickers are more about accuracy than leg strength, but both qualities are rightfully coveted. On kickoffs, evaluators want to see kicks landing in or very close to the end zone in order to minimize the opportunities for return. For field goals, scouts want to see good lift on the ball to get it up and over the D-line, as well as a ball that stays straight rather than zig-zagging on its way through the uprights. Converting 85 percent isn’t good enough in college because it will only get more difficult with the narrower NFL posts.

For long snappers – in addition to consistency – scouts and coaches want to see a tight spiral that arrives at its location accurately and quickly. Whether it’s short or deeper snaps, any adjustment that his teammate might have to make will throw off the timing of the kick, and even fractions of a second can be the difference between success and failure.

2020 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: SPECIALISTS

Texas safety Brandon Jones

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature safeties:

THREE TO WATCH

Brandon Jones, Texas: Blessed with prototypical size and speed, Jones could be in the mix for first-round consideration. He showed plenty of grit and toughness last season, playing through a high ankle sprain for most of the season, while flashing his cat-like quickness and ability to cover a tremendous amount of ground. His aggressiveness is a plus, as Jones has shown the propensity to come up with a handful of momentum-changing plays. In addition, his experience and maturity are two traits that evaluators are going to greatly appreciate. In 10 games last season, Jones logged 70 tackles (5.5 for loss), two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. His combination of size, speed, range and tackling ability are rivaled by very few players in the nation.

Javon Hagan, Ohio: A team leader and captain, Hagan has been a tremendous asset, lining up at multiple spots on the field. He serves as a physical presence against the run and sheds blocks well, which has contributed to his 214 career tackles. Hagan demonstrates excellent change of direction ability, along with quick recovery speed, and does an excellent job baiting the quarterback. In fact, he has placed a heavy emphasis on improving his hands during the offseason, even staying after practice and doing wide receiver drills in hopes of increasing his interception total this year. If Hagan proves to put it all together, it could mean hearing his name called come April.

Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne: A versatile player, Dugger is capable of playing strong man coverage and is a surefire tackler in the open field. He’s known to have a strong work ethic and passion for the game, as he began playing football at the age of four. During the spring, NFL teams clocked Dugger at 4.41 in the 40. He possesses a true nose for the football, is constantly creating turnovers (three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles in 2018) and has returned three punts for a touchdown in his career. With those type of intangibles, plenty of scouts will be sure to visit the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne, which hasn’t had a player selected in the NFL Draft since 2000 (John Milem/49ers/Rd5).

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

Safety is a hybrid position that is not always easy to project due to the limited opportunities one might receive in college to make plays on the wider hash-marked field. Certain NFL schemes will prioritize body types or speed if they designate a “strong” or “free” safety, while other schemes will merely play left/right. Regardless of scheme, safeties are instrumental in both phases of the game as they will be assigned a gap each play versus the run, and it is their job to either cover or play a supporting role in the coverage of receivers in the pass game.

Safeties must be smart players who can communicate pre-snap with teammates in sorting out coverage responsibilities versus tricky offensive formations. They also must be tough guys who are willing to fly up toward the line of scrimmage (LOS), while playing gap-sound run defense. Scouts are looking athletes who can cover man to man or have the range to cover ground in zone versus the pass. Finally, safeties must be sound tacklers who are in many cases the last line of defense. Ball skills to intercept a pass or the ability to time up the blitz to be a force behind the LOS are additional traits that can help a prospect find a home in the NFL.

2020 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: SAFETIES

Michigan CB Lavert Hil

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature cornerbacks:

THREE TO WATCH

Lavert Hill, Michigan: A physical press man corner, Hill excels at getting his hands on receivers and redirecting their routes. His athleticism has been on display as a mirror cover corner, while his hip transition allows him to stop on a dime to break on the ball. A preseason favorite for the Jim Thorpe award, Hill was rarely tested a season ago, as he only accounted for 14 tackles and one interception, which was returned for a touchdown. Those around the program rave about his leadership and intelligence, traits that will only enhance his draft value.

Tony Pride, Notre Dame: An extremely sound zone corner, Pride thrives on reading offensive concepts and the quarterback’s eyes to make plays on the ball.  He appears to be very comfortable playing in zone coverage, as his transition to break on the football is fluid and natural. A gifted athlete with world-class speed, Pride has been a dual star at Notre Dame, also competing in track. He’s a candidate to be the fastest man in Indy and has reportedly been timed in the low 4.3-second range.

Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern: A fierce competitor who wears his emotions on his sleeve, Vildor has earned a reputation as a lockdown corner. He raised eyebrows last season with his performance against Clemson, not allowing a single completion while collecting an interception. In 13 games last season, Vildor totaled 42 tackles (4.5 for loss) with 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. He’s also very active in the community, donating hundreds of hours of his time giving back.

SCOUT’S EYE VIEW

There are many types of cornerbacks in the NFL, and finding a scheme fit can go a long way in adding to a corner’s career length. Through the variety of schemes comes desired skillsets: Zone teams want to see a prospect’s ability to recognize routes from off-coverage and be able to break to the ball quickly; press-man schemes prioritize body length and straight-line speed to cover vertically; and, cover 2 teams list toughness and the willingness to support the run among the most coveted skills.

Regardless of the scheme, however, scouts want to identify college prospects who have quick feet and good change of direction (COD) to mirror WRs at the line of scrimmage. Evaluators are also looking for strength to not get knocked around when facing bigger opponents; the body control and quickness to remain attached when his target breaks off his route; and the ball skills to locate and contest the catch at the reception point.

Speed is paramount in the NFL, so a corner’s 40-time will be highly scrutinized. It can get lonely playing on the edge of the defense without a lot of help from teammates, and there will be some lost battles among the victories. That’s why a prospect’s ability to quickly forget the previous fail and move on to the next play with full focus is highly desired.

2020 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: CORNERBACKS

UCLA linebacker Keisean Lucier-South

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature linebackers:

SIX TO WATCH

Keisean Lucier-South, OLB, UCLA: Last season, UCLA switched to a 3-4 base defense, which meant Lucier-South was on the move once more as he has now learned three different positions: defensive end, inside linebacker and outside linebacker. That type of versatility will make him a valuable commodity at the next level. He led the Bruins in tackles for loss last season with 11.5, to go along with six pass deflections. He held his own when asked to drop back in coverage and is in line for career year.

Tipa Galeai, OLB, Utah State: A big, strong speed-rusher, Tipa Galeai (pronounced Tee-puh Nah-lay-eye) is extremely fast on the edge, flashing an explosive first step with the ability to dip and rip past opposing lineman. Galeai was able to cut his body fat from 11.1% as a sophomore, to 8.6% as a junior on his way to a breakout season that saw him tally 64 tackles (13.5 for loss), 10 sacks and two interceptions for the Aggies after transferring from TCU. An added bonus to his game is that Galeai can also long snap.

Dante Olson, OLB, Montana: A year ago this time, Olson was a virtual unknown who was competing for a starting job. Fast forward and he is now on the NFL radar due to a monster performance last season, registering a school-record 151 tackles (including 11 tackles for loss and six sacks) along with three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He has football in his blood (dad Jeff was the head coach at Southern Oregon) and is a noted workout warrior who is expected to test well.

Shaq Quarterman, ILB, Miami: An immediate impact player as a true freshman for the Hurricanes, the hard-hitting Quarterman brings a tough-minded mentality with his leadership and poise, to go along with all the intangibles. He possesses extremely quick closing speed, great strength and the ability to shed blocks, while his sideline-to-sideline, north/south prowess allows him to cover a tremendous amount of ground — as evidenced by his 249 career tackles and superb pass coverage through three seasons. Coaches have praised his accountability both on and off the field, making him a natural born leader of men due to his ability to elevate others.

Logan Wilson, ILB, Wyoming: Speed and instincts immediately stand out for Wilson, who has shown a propensity for tracking down ball carriers. He originally committed to Wyoming as a 195-pound defensive back who was a track standout coming out of high school but redshirted his freshman season to bulk up (he now weighs 250 pounds) and would eventually find a home at the MIKE. Over the past three years, he has accumulated 316 total tackles, while showing extremely active hands, collecting six interceptions and batting down 13 passes during that time. His performance and leadership has earned him captain honors for the second consecutive season.

Jabril Cox, ILB, North Dakota State: The Bison have 10 players currently on NFL 90-man rosters entering training camp, a rarity for any FCS program and Cox appears to be as good a prospect as the program has produced over the past decade. The long, athletic linebacker shows tremendous range and athleticism. He led the defending FCS champions with 91 tackles and four interceptions last year, including back-to-back games where he returned an interception for a touchdown. This season, Cox will flip positions, moving from SAM to WILL after bulking up during the offseason.

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

Linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense and need to be able to both defend the run and the pass once the ball is snapped. But a lot happens before that. It’s imperative that your middle linebacker is a heady, communicative player who knows every defender’s assignment and pays attention to the tendency report from earlier in the week. Instincts and the ability to anticipate plays are paramount to being effective at the pro level, and can help mask deficiencies in other areas.

When defending the run, scouts and coaches want to see prospects who are willing to attack their gap to close any hole, and strike with their hands while engaging blockers in order to maintain a degree of separation before disengaging the block altogether to either make the tackle or give chase. Consistent effort to the football is not a bonus; it’s the expectation!

Defending the pass is the more difficult of the two facets, as it requires greater speed and athleticism. Whether you’re in zone or man, evaluators want to see the ability to match steps with the target while keeping your eyes on his hips and breaking when he does. When playing man, speed is an element that offensive coordinators will gameplan for if they think they can isolate a slower linebacker in coverage. And when playing zone, understanding likely route combinations based on formations and keys will help a defender quickly transfer responsibilities from one target to the next.

2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Linebackers

[View full 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board]

For Immediate Release
August 8, 2019

The NFL Players Association Collegiate Bowl is pleased to announce the football scouting staff for its ninth annual showcase, which will be played January 18, 2020 at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. Former NFL players Von Hutchins, David McCloughan and Raleigh McKenzie will serve as the Collegiate Bowl’s regional scouts, bringing their playing and scouting extensive to the country’s premier postseason all-star game for draft-eligible college prospects.

The trio of scouts round out the staff of new Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting Dane Vandernat, who was hired in June. They will work alongside scouting operations consultant Ron Hill and media consultant/advance scout Ric Serritella to evaluate, recruit and select the top prospects from around the country for participation in the upcoming Collegiate Bowl.

REGIONAL SCOUTING STAFF BIOS

Von Hutchins (Southeastern Region) spent the past seven years with the Oakland Raiders – five as a pro scout and two as assistant director of pro scouting. Prior to this, he played six seasons in the NFL (2004-2009), with the Indianapolis Colts, before spending time with the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons. The Ole Miss alum currently resides in Atlanta with his wife and their two sons.

David McCloughan (Western Region) was a 4-year letter winner in both football and track at Colorado before being drafted into the NFL, where he spent four seasons with Indianapolis, Green Bay and Seattle. He went on to be a college scout for the Oakland Raiders; a director of college scouting with San Francisco 49ers; and, an area and cross check college scout with the Raiders before joining the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Raleigh McKenzie (Northeastern Region) played 16 seasons in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins. The All-Pro offensive lineman also had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and Green Bay Packers. McKenzie went on to serve seven years as a college scout with the Oakland Raiders.

Florida DE Jabari Zuniga

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature defensive ends:

THREE TO WATCH

Jabari Zuniga, Florida: The Gators aggressive defense under DC Todd Grantham has been very beneficial for Zuniga, who has thrived as a chess piece, playing up and down the defensive line, in addition to linebacker. Zuniga possesses size, strength and an explosive first step. He also owns great lower body strength (can squat over 500 pounds) and athleticism. In 47 career games, he has amassed 27.5 tackles for loss, including 15.5 sacks.

Alex Highsmith, Charlotte: From former walk-on to Conference USA First-Team honors, Highsmith has arguably improved as much as any player in college football. He busted out in a big way last year with 60 tackles, including a school-record 17.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and eight pass breakups. His “first one in, last one out” mentality has been echoed by coaches and teammates. The 49ers will implement a 4-2-5 defensive scheme under new head coach Will Healy this season

Ron’dell Carter, JMU: A big, explosive presence on the front line of the JMU defense, Carter has experience playing both inside and outside. The Baltimore native made an immediate impact during his first season with the Dukes, collecting 58 tackles (13 tackles for loss) to go along with 7.5 sacks in 13 games  after spending the previous two years at Rutgers. His maturity and commitment to diet has helped improve his overall burst and conditioning. Carter is one of several JMU players on the NFL radar.

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

When evaluating college edge defenders, the first things I want to see are instincts to quickly locate the ball and toughness in taking on blockers to stop the run. To play on the edge means playing against longer-bodied offensive tackles. Because of this, longer arms are not just an advantage but almost a requirement to hold the point of attack (POA). If a prospect can use his length to maintain separation from blockers while staying in control of his gap, then he’ll have a chance to play in the NFL. Once the run is stuffed and attention turns to the pass, it’s the defensive ends’ job to explosively get out of his stance upfield and work a variety of rush moves to clear his way to the QB.

One of the main areas that college players need to work on when they transition to the NFL is acquiring a second dominant pass rush move. Most prospects have either a finesse or power rush, but seldom do they have both. NFL blockers are too good to let you beat them with the same thing. A counter that either looks similar to or plays off of the primary move is imperative to sustaining success.

2020 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE ENDS

[View the full 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board]

Auburn DL Derrick Brown

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature defensive tackles:

THREE TO WATCH

Derrick Brown, Auburn: A disruptive force on the interior, Brown possesses great size and athleticism to go along with a mammoth wingspan (83”). His strength and speed are two areas in which he should test very well — he set a school record by squatting 590 pounds and has been timed as low as 4.95 in the 40-yard dash, according to coaches. His ability to gobble up double teams along with his violent hands will make him a valuable asset at the next level.

David Moa, Boise State: Look out for the “Moa Constrictor”! With his 2018 injury-riddled season in the rear-view mirror, Moa is eager to return to dominant form and is expected to be a key cog for the Broncos this season. The 2017 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Polynesian Player of the Year proved to be a constant in opponent’s backfields with 10.5 tackles for loss, including 8.5 sacks as a sophomore. As a result, Moa faced constant double teams as a junior. So while his numbers may have dipped, NFL scouts took note of his trench warfare capabilities.

Sam Kamara, Stony Brook: An anchor for the Seawolves during the past three seasons, Kamara has started 28 games for his career, registering 82 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks — including nine sacks a year ago. He has already been named a team captain for 2019 and possesses all the physical attributes that pro scouts require. If chosen, Kamara would become the first Stony Brook player selected in the NFL Draft.

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

Playing along the interior trenches of the D-Line is all about stopping the run first. If the middle of a defense is soft, offensive coordinators will continue to go back to the well play after play, and defensive coordinators will have difficulty sleeping at night. While there are some prototypical size differences between 4-3 and 3-4 linemen, talent evaluators are mainly looking for three things: the ability to quickly get out of your stance with your hands primed for action, head on a swivel as the play is diagnosed, and knees bent with good forward body lean.

All year long, D-Line coaches are working technique drills to best coordinate hand and foot moves that enable twitchy disengagement from blockers. Those players who can smoothly get their hips around the block and clear will be in prime position to make a play in the backfield. For the leaner linemen who rely on their quickness to hold the point of attack (POA), the willingness to stick your face in the fan – as the expression goes – and drop down to one knee to make it more difficult to be dislodged will allow you to remain on the field in obvious run situations. Once you stop the run and get to third down, it’s time to pin those ears back and get vertical upfield to get to the quarterback.

2019 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Defensive Tackles

[Full 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board]

Mississippi State OL Darryl Williams

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature offensive guards and centers:

THREE TO WATCH

Darryl Williams, Mississippi State: A powerful sledgehammer with the strength to push defenders around, Williams has been used at both guard and center. He shows the ability to anchor well and gain leverage consistently. Williams has been effective on run, pass, zone and man blocking schemes but his versatility to play center could suit him well. Williams made a point to improve his hand placement last season and continues to build off of his momentum heading into the 2019 season.

Tommy Kraemer, Notre Dame: A five-star recruit coming out of Ohio, Kraemer originally began his Fighting Irish career at right tackle before kicking inside to guard. Quick and physical off the snap of the ball, his strength allows him to be a powerful run mauler. Kraemer can also get down the line in a jiffy on pull blocks. He has cut down his body fat immensely, which has led to a leaner, quicker version of himself for what many expect to be a career year.

J’Von Brown, CCSU: The All-NEC standout had an impressive performance against Syracuse that grabbed the attention of area scouts. Brown demonstrates sound technique and the strength necessary to win the leverage battle on most occasions. He has the ability to drive defenders back in the run game and shows excellent hand placement in pass protection, making him one of the top FCS interior offensive line prospects in the country.

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

Life in the trenches for guards and centers is gritty. These three players not only protect the shortest route to the QB, but they also set the tone in the run game and are charged with regularly displacing 300-plus-pound opponents. Zone and gap schemes will prioritize strength and athleticism differently, but interior OL need to be tough; smart enough to pick up stunts and blitzes; thick-framed to stand their ground; light enough on their feet to climb up to the linebacker level of the defense; and savvy enough with their hand placement to avoid holding penalties.

What separates legit prospects from the rest is explosiveness out of their stance; an ability to bend at their knees to change direction while keeping their pads (and center of gravity) low; and  comprehension of an intricate blocking scheme that can combat the complex looks thrown their way by NFL defensive coordinators.

Above all, centers need to be heady players who can make the pre-snap line calls and alert their teammates to the adjustments about to be made. They will typically weigh less than guards and may not have long arms. But what centers can sometimes lack in physical stature they compensate for with smart, consistent play.

With the proliferation of the shotgun-spread offense in college, centers nowadays also are having to learn how to snap to a quarterback under center, which requires a consistency and footwork not previously practiced or perfected.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: OFFENSIVE TACKLES AND GUARDS

Full 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board

Washington OT Trey Adams

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature offensive tackles:

THREE TO WATCH

Trey Adams, Washington: A starter since his freshman year, Adams came back from a devastating back injury last season and played at an extremely high level. He consistently keeps his legs driving through contact, while his hand placement and technique stifling rips/swims are outstanding. Adams has excellent balance, bends very well for his height, and has the athleticism to get into the second level and tee off on backers in his path. He possesses exceptional movement skills for his size and plays with a real nasty streak that shows up on game day.

Victor Johnson, Appalachian State: Known for his relentless work ethic and high character, Johnson has brought a level of accountability to the Mountaineers program, guiding them to an 11-2 record last season. A four-year starter at left tackle, Johnson has been an anchor on the blindside. His film against Penn State, Georgia and Tennessee during the past few years bodes well for his resume and draft prospectus.

Kyle Murphy, Rhode Island: A versatile lineman who has started at left tackle since his junior season, Murphy previously started at right tackle, left guard and has filled in at center when needed. He understands angles when sealing the hole in run blocking and is very strong with powerful legs and quick feet— which amounts to really good leg drive and a better opportunity for pancakes. Murphy’s ability to mirror in pass pro, along with his run-mauling tenacity are two areas that will be sure to catch pro scouts’ attention, while his nastiness will endear himself to teammates.

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

As the main player tasked with protecting the quarterback, being an effective tackle at the next level is about more than just size and strength. Teams are looking for someone who can quickly get out of his stance, cover ground in his pass set, use his long arms to widen the rush path, shut down power rush moves (like a bulrush) with his lower body, and plant while quickly changing direction. A great deal of hand and foot coordination goes into protecting the edge, and those in college who understand punching while utilizing their length have a leg up on their peers as they prepare for potentially playing in the NFL.

Most colleges place their best offensive lineman at the left tackle position to serve as the quarterback’s blindside protector. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to continue to serve in that role. With all of the coordination and muscle memory involved,  switching from the left side to the right side is not as easy as just switching stances. Oftentimes there is an additional learning curve, which is where football IQ comes into play.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Vanderbilt TE Jared Pinkney

The 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out over the course of four weeks by position, featuring players to watch and a breakdown of what NFL scouts look for through the eyes of Collegiate Bowl Director of College Scouting, Dane Vandernat.

Today, we feature tight ends:

THREE TO WATCH

Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt: A mismatch for linebackers (too fast) and safeties (too big), Pinkney served as a red zone mismatch last year, accounting for seven touchdowns, while collecting 50 catches for 774 yards.  The Commodores will line him up in various spots, including at H-back, the slot and even outside at times. Pinkney’s blocking has been adequate, and he possesses the size, speed and hands to be one of the first tight ends off the board.

Harrison Bryant, FAU: The buzz you hear coming out of Boca Raton originates from the excitement surrounding Bryant, whose high energy and tenacious demeanor has been contagious for the Owls. Whether it’s sacrificing his body to make a big catch over the middle or sealing off a running lane with a key block for his halfback, Bryant has the makeup of a NFL tight end due to his great size and dependable hands. He has totaled 83 catches for 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns during his career and compares favorably to Nick O’Leary (Dolphins).

Charlie Taumoepeau, Portland State: A first-down machine, Taumoepeau means “move the chains” when translated. All joking aside, the big-play tight end has served as an offensive weapon for the Vikings, averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per catch for his career. A three-sport standout in high school (football, basketball and track), he is clearly an athlete with huge upside. Level of competition shouldn’t be an issue for Taumoepeau, who combined for eight catches, 255 yards and four touchdowns in his two games against FBS opponents (Nevada and Oregon).

SCOUT’S-EYE VIEW

Evaluating tight end prospects in college has become increasingly more difficult with the popularity of the spread offense. Nowadays, most tight end prospects are one of two types: a bigger-bodied blocker who specializes in holding up versus defensive ends in the run game; or a more athletic receiver with the potential to be a mismatch versus linebackers and safeties in the passing game.

Despite the two variations, the constants that scouts and coaches are looking for remain the same: grit, high FBI (football intelligence), play strength, short-area quickness, production in their sphere, and the ability to consistently finish strong. Rarely does a talent evaluator find a prospect who can be both an inline blocker and athletic mismatch; but when he or she does he throws a first-round grade on that player.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: TIGHT ENDS

See the full 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board