NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 5: Kellen Mond, Michael Carter, Marquez Stevenson, Victor Dimukeje, Max Richardson

North Carolina running back Michael Carter (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Also, be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!

Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
A four-year starter for Texas A&M, quarterback Kellen Mond finally earned his first signature win over Florida in a back-and-forth affair, which was sure to catch the attention of NFL scouts. Mond showed tremendous poise and moxie, completing 25-of-35 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. With his athleticism to extend plays and deep ball touch, the San Antonio native offers plenty of pro traits that will appeal to teams at the next level.

Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
North Carolina senior running back Michael Carter continues to solidify his draft stock, as he set a new career-high with 214 rushing yards and two scores, including a 62-yard scamper in the fourth quarter to help seal the deal in the Tar Heels’ win over Virginia Tech. A noted intense competitor and leader in the locker room, the Florida native has been praised by the coaching staff for his maturity. With the ability to cut it inside/outside, his balance and vision are two of the more desirable traits he possesses. Carter brings the juice and provides a skillset very similar to Dion Lewis (N.Y. Giants). With 413 rushing yards through three games, he is now on pace to become just the third Tar Heel rusher to surpass the 1,000-yard barrier in back-to-back seasons during the past thirty years, joining Giovanni Bernard (2011-12) and Natrone Means (1991-92).

Marquez Stevenson, WR, Houston
Houston wideout Marquez Stevenson got off to an electrifying start in the Cougars’ season-opening win over Tulane, demonstrating why he is considered to be one of the premier playmakers in college football. Stevenson shredded the Green Wave with a 97-yard kick return and 41-yard receiving touchdown, totaling 223 yards on seven touches. His big play speed, deep ball propensity and crisp route running is sure to be an easy sell to NFL teams.

Victor Dimukeje, DE, Duke
Duke earned its first victory of the season over Syracuse behind another stellar performance by senior defensive end Victor Dimukeje, who picked up 1.5 sacks and now has 14 sacks in his past 11 games. The Baltimore native has been playing with a relentless motor this season, demonstrating an array of pass-rush moves and the strength to win most of his one-on-one reps. While Dimukeje has primarily played with his hand in the dirt for the Blue Devils, there is some appeal to having him stand up as an outside linebacker at the next level. He is one player who should continue to thrive and rise as we get closer to the draft.

Max Richardson, LB, Boston College
It was senior linebacker Max Richardson guiding the way on defense once again for Boston College, as the Eagles won a thriller in overtime over Pittsburgh. The Georgia native, who had just one other Power 5 offer (Duke) coming out of high school, has solidified himself as a pro prospect during his time in Chestnut Hill, and Saturday was just another example why. Richardson totaled nine tackles (three tackles for loss), including one sack, flashing natural instincts, quickness and his ability to wrap up tacklers in the open field. After 100-plus tackle campaign last season, Richardson now has 38 tackles (third in the nation) during the Eagles 3-1 start, as his clutch play and leadership has played a vital role early on.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board Vol. 2: Big Ten Defense

Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

With the return of several conferences to the 2020 college football scene, we are rolling out an updated NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board featuring players from those schools. Next up, defensive players from the Big Ten:

Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan—
In a close game last October vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes while facing two future NFL offensive tackles, Kwity Paye showed the traits that make him such a highly-rated NFL prospect, recording a career-high 2.5 sacks and an additional two quarterback hurries in the game. Boasting prototypical 4-3 defensive end size at 6-4 and 270 pounds, the Providence, Rhode Island product is a gifted athlete who regularly displays impressive get-off off the snap, an arsenal of pass rushing moves in his toolbox, the capability of bending the edge to flatten to the quarterback, and burst to close on the ball. What’s equally impressive, however, is Paye’s physicality and desire to stop the run, regularly showcasing the play strength to knock-back opposing blockers, strong hands to jolt and shed, and then the dependability to get ball carriers down.

Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State—
Baron Browning is a name to remember. Despite rotating at the middle linebacker position in 2019 with Tuf Borland — another Buckeye linebacker who’s expected to be drafted this year — Browning finished the year fourth on the team in tackles for loss and sixth on the team in total tackles. With a rare blend of size, length, athleticism and explosiveness reminiscent of former Buckeye star Ryan Shazier, Browning is built for the modern NFL defense. Unafraid of contact, the former five-star high school product from Fort Worth, Texas is quick to read and react in the run game, comes out of his hips to strike climbing blockers with his hands, and wraps up ball carriers with his long arms. In the pass game, his speed and range enable him to cover a lot of ground in either zone or man coverage, and he’s a threat to get home to the quarterback as a delayed or add-on blitzer.

Dicaprio Bootle, CB, Nebraska—
Position versatility is key for most NFL players, and Nebraska defensive back Dicaprio Bootle certainly is versatile. Last year for the Huskers, Bootle started the first eight games at cornerback before shifting to safety due to injuries in the secondary. Though possessing below average height for the cornerback position at slightly under 5-10 and 190 pounds, Bootle is competitive in man-to-man coverage while displaying the confidence to remain square in his pedal. The Miami native regularly can be seen communicating with his teammates, pointing out coverage responsibilities, keying targets in zone with great field awareness, and rallying to the ball once it’s been thrown – all attributes that bode well for his chances as a safety as well. The 2020 season will be a valuable opportunity for Bootle to show improved tackling technique and consistency — improvements that will aid him while vying for a backup/special teams role in a NFL training camp next summer.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: BIG TEN DEFENSE

Pos. First Name Last Name School Height Weight
DE Chauncey Golston Iowa 6-4 270
DE Kwity Paye Michigan 6-4 270
DE Earnest Brown IV Northwestern 6-5 273
DE Samdup Miller Northwestern 6-3 258
DE Shaka Toney Penn State 6-3 243
DT Roderick Perry Illinois 6-3 300
DT Jerome Johnson Indiana 6-3 294
DT Carlo Kemp Michigan 6-3 286
DT Naquan Jones Michigan State 6-3 339
DT Antonio Shelton Penn State 6-2 311
DT Lorenzo Neal Purdue 6-2 315
LB Derrick Barnes Purdue 6-1 240
LB Tuf Borland Ohio State 6-2 232
LB Baron Browning Ohio State 6-3 248
LB JoJo Domann Nebraska 6-0 225
LB Milo Eifler Illinois 6-1 230
LB Olakunle Fatukasi Rutgers 6-1 228
LB Paddy Fisher Northwestern 6-4 228
LB Jake Hansen Illinois 6-0 230
LB Pete Werner Ohio State 6-3 239
CB Nate Hobbs Illinois 6-0 190
CB Dicaprio Bootle Nebraska 5-10 190
CB Tariq Castro-Fields Penn State 6-0 197
SAF Marcelino Ball Indiana 6-0 223
SAF Brad Hawkins Michigan 6-1 218
SAF Deontai Williams Nebraska 6-1 200
SAF Jaquan Brisker Penn State 6-1 210
SAF Lamont Wade Penn State 5-9 199
SAF Tyler Coyle Purdue 6-1 205
K Quinn Nordin Michigan 6-1 196
K Blake Haubeil Ohio State 6-3 225
P Drue Chrisman Ohio State 6-3 220
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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board Vol. 2: Big Ten Offense

Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

With the return of several conferences to the 2020 college football scene, we are rolling out an updated NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board featuring players from those schools. First up, offensive players from the Big Ten:

Brandon Peters, QB, Illinois
Last year, Brandon Peters put up some impressive performances early in the season, but it was the Illini’s upset over No. 6 Wisconsin where the first-year starter had his real coming out party. Against the Badgers, you saw some good – Peters is a physically talented right-handed passer with the ability to drop the ball where only his receiver can make a play; good athleticism and strength for the position to move around the pocket, extend plays with his legs, and even be a threat to keep the ball on zone-read plays. But you also saw some bad – risky throws into coverage, a couple late passes, and loose ball-security in the pocket.
When the game was on the line, however, the graduate transfer from Michigan saved his best for last, displaying some moxie and gun-slinger traits by throwing a fourth-quarter touchdown and later getting his team in position to kick the game-winning field goal as time expired. Two weeks later against Michigan State, Peters was at it again, this time orchestrating the largest comeback in Illinois history with a game-sealing touchdown pass in the final seconds of a 37-34 win. If the now second-year starter can build onto the foundation he established last season, Peters could end up hearing his name called on draft weekend.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa
Don’t look now, but the Iowa Hawkeyes have a deep receiving corps led by two talented seniors, including Ihmir Smith-Marsette. A gifted athlete who’s dangerous with the ball in his hands, Smith-Marsette put on a clinic in last year’s Holiday Bowl vs. USC, scoring touchdowns by way of receiving, rushing and on kickoff return. Standing at 6-1 and 183 pounds, the Newark, N.J. native has prototypical “Z receiver” traits in that he’s a crafty route runner capable of creating separation on all three levels of the field, and is dangerous on gadget plays like end-arounds and reverses, where he uses his natural instincts to exploit holes in the defense and his shiftiness to make defenders miss. Being slighter-framed leads to some inconsistencies escaping press coverage and sustaining his blocks in the run game, but – if he can improve in these areas – he has the potential to provide great value in the middle rounds of the draft to an NFL team looking for a versatile playmaker and special teams contributor.

Michal Menet, C, Penn State
When teams are evaluating centers, they seek smart, tough, athletic and consistent blockers — and Michal Menet is just that. The two-time captain returns for his third season as the Nittany Lions’ starting center and leads one of the most talented units in the country. Snapping with his right hand, the Birdsboro, Pennsylvania native hikes a very accurate and catchable shotgun snap before displaying the foot quickness necessary to execute a variety of blocking techniques. With good pad level and leg drive, Menet is capable of creating good initial push on the D-line in the run game, and then does a nice job using his quickness working to seal at the linebacker level. In the pass game, his pre-snap awareness helps Penn State get into good plays, and he then displays good awareness and quickness picking up blitzes and stunts while seeking out work when left uncovered.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: BIG TEN OFFENSE

Position First Name Last Name School Height Weight
QB Brandon Peters Illinois 6-4 230
QB Jack Coan Wisconsin 6-3 221
RB Mekhi Sargent Iowa 5-10 212
RB Chris Evans Michigan 5-10 216
RB Trey Sermon Ohio State 6-0 221
FB Ben Mason Michigan 6-3 270
FB Mason Stokke Wisconsin 6-1 239
WR Josh Imatorbhebhe Illinois 6-1 215
WR Whop Philyor Indiana 5-10 178
WR Brandon Smith Iowa 6-1 218
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette Iowa 6-1 183
WR Nico Collins Michigan 6-4 222
TE Nick Eubanks Michigan 6-5 256
TE Jack Stoll Nebraska 6-4 260
TE Luke Farrell Ohio State 6-5 250
OT Vederian Lowe Illinois 6-5 320
OT Alex Palczewski Illinois 6-6 300
OT Coy Cronk Iowa 6-5 325
OT Alaric Jackson Iowa 6-7 320
OT Matt Farniok Nebraska 6-6 330
OT Brenden Jaimes Nebraska 6-6 300
OT Thayer Munford Ohio State 6-6 310
OT Will Fries Penn State 6-5 313
OT Cole Van Lanen Wisconsin 6-6 312
OG Jordan Reid Michigan State 6-4 300
OC Doug Kramer Illinois 6-2 300
OC Matt Allen Michigan State 6-3 312
OC Michal Menet Penn State 6-3 313
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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 4: Feleipe Franks, Khalil Herbert, Reggie Roberson Jr., Emeka Emezie, Tony Fields II

Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert (Nell Redmond/Pool Photo via AP)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!

Feleipe Franks, QB, Arkansas
The roller coaster career that is Feleipe Franks rode itself back up the tracks with a precision passing performance against Mississippi State, guiding Arkansas to its first SEC win in 21 games. Franks utilized play action well throughout the day, showing off his strong arm and ability to throw on the run, rolling out on multiple occasions, while completing 20-of-28 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. The transfer from Florida, who lost his starting job after suffering an ankle injury, came to Arkansas looking for a fresh start. He was quick to earn the respect of both his coaches and teammates, being named a team captain; and while his consistency has been streaky, pro scouts are still intrigued by his potential. Born into a military family and raised on a farm tending to horses, Franks also has one of the more well-versed background stories. Keep an eye on his development, as his size, mobility and perseverance have him on the NFL radar.

Khalil Herbert, RB, Virginia Tech
Big-time performances have become something of the norm for Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert, who had himself a monstrous day. Herbert had an 83-yard kickoff return and two rushing touchdowns, including one 60-yard scamper on his way to setting a new Hokies single game school-record with 358 all-purpose yards. Herbert is currently one of the most underrated prospects in the land, and with his elite-level vision and explosiveness, there is no doubt that he’s ascending on draft boards around the league.

Reggie Roberson Jr., WR, SMU
It was the biggest day any SMU wideout has ever had, as Reggie Roberson became the first Mustangs player ever to amass more than 200 yards receiving in a single game. Roberson Jr. flashed his run-after-catch skillset, scoring on receptions of 70 and 85 yards to total a whopping 243 receiving yards on five catches and help give SMU a win in a wild shootout with Memphis. Roberson Jr. did all this without even playing in the fourth quarter due to an injury that, thankfully, isn’t considered and will be re-evaluated this week before their next game on October 16 at Tulane.

Emeka Emezie, WR, N.C. State
Keep an eye on EMEKA EMEZIE, as the Wolfpack look to open up the offense more in the coming weeks. His athleticism and ball skills were at the forefront this past Saturday, as Emezie made several acrobatic clutch catches in their upset win over Pittsburgh, including the game-winning reception with just 23 seconds left. A descent of Nigeria, the former basketball player owns an excellent vertical game to go along with ideal size and speed. Emezie placed an extra emphasis on his route running and conditioning during the offseason, which is now paying huge dividends, making him one to watch as we get closer to April.

Tony Fields II, LB, West Virginia
A graduate transfer from Arizona, Tony Fields II has had a huge impact for West Virginia early on, providing great leadership, experience and what head coach Neal Brown calls a ‘train stopper’ mentality. Those intangibles were on display once again, as Fields II racked up 10 tackles, including two for loss, with one sack, one pass deflection and a handful of quarterback pressures, as the Mountaineers upended Baylor. A three-year starter at WILL linebacker during his time in Tuscon, Fields II has moved to the MIKE position this season in Morgantown. Through three games, the Las Vegas native now has a team-high 29 tackles, bringing his career total to 316, while also raising his draft profile. With a multi-faceted skill-set, Fields II possesses the ability to take on blocks and stuff the run effectively, in addition to being able to drop back in coverage or get after the quarterback when asked to serve as a pass-rusher, makes Fields II a valuable commodity at the next level.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch List Week 3: Kyle Trask, K.J. Costello, Spencer Brown, Justus Reed

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!

Kyle Trask, QB, Florida:
You could not have scripted the season opener any better for Gators quarterback Kyle Trask, who set a career-high with 416 passing yards to go along with an SEC single-game record six touchdown passes, as Florida romped Mississippi. Trask showcased his ability to work all parts of the field, spreading the ball around to 11 different receivers, while his touchdown passes averaged 21.2 yards per pass. We’ve seen a slew of quarterbacks catapult themselves to the No. 1 overall pick in recent years, such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Joe Burrow, while others such as Dwayne Haskins and Mitchell Trubisky went from relatively unknowns to first-round picks. Could Trask be the next in line? It shouldn’t be ruled out.

K.J. Costello, QB, Mississippi State:
Not to be outdone in the SEC, quarterback K.J. Costello set a single-game conference record with 623 passing yards, as Mississippi State upset the defending champion LSU Tigers. The transfer from Stanford overcame four turnovers to lead the Bulldogs to an impressive victory in his season debut, demonstrating the type of poise and leadership that could make for a match made in heaven with Bulldogs new head coach Mike Leach. We have seen plenty of Leach-coached signal callers make their way to the next level, but Costello is by far the most cerebral quarterback that Leach has ever had to work with. And the way that NFL offenses are trending, Costello could become a hot commodity come April.

Spencer Brown, RB, UAB:
After battling injuries for much of the past two seasons, UAB power back Spencer Brown took it upon himself to get leaner and meaner heading into his final season, dropping nearly 20 pounds. Early indications are that it has paid handsome dividends, as Brown has looked faster and more explosive. This past week, he added to his touchdown total, scoring on runs of 15, 1 and 20 yards, while setting a new school record with 36 career touchdowns. A noted workout warrior, Brown can squat 600-plus pounds without effort and has left a notorious history of weight room stories behind during his legendary Blazers career. He’s also the school’s all-time leading rusher, as well as the nation’s second active career leading rusher with 3,323 yards, behind only Clemson running back Travis Etienne. Remember the name, as Spencer Brown has the makeup of a pro back.

Justus Reed, DL, Virginia Tech:
The long, winding road that is the career of Justus Reed has led to Blacksburg, where the pass-rush specialist is making the most of his latest opportunity. After finishing with 19 tackles for loss, including 13 sacks a year ago, the sack master is off to a fast start once again, registering two sacks in the Hokies season-opener win over North Carolina State. His length, strength and quickness are three attributes that will warrant a look at the next level for the seventh-year senior. Reed spent his first three seasons at Florida before transferring to Youngstown State, where he spent the past three years and ultimately decided to transfer to Virginia Tech for a chance to play in the fall in 2020. If selected, Reed would become the oldest player chosen in the NFL Draft since Brandon Weeden (2012).

*Be sure to follow the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest scouting notes, alumni updates and event news! Also, tune in to our weekly podcast hosted by NFLPA Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat and Ric Serritella of the NFL Draft Bible.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 2: Kenny Pickett, Elijah Mitchell, Dorian Etheridge

Louisiana Lafayette running back Elijah Mitchell (AP Photo/John Amis)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
One of the more under-heralded senior signal-callers is Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, who steered the Panthers to victory over Syracuse with an efficient game. The team co-captain was surgical, converting several key third downs while also showcasing the arm strength to make big throws downfield. Praised for his leadership and intangibles, his style of play doesn’t always show up in the box score but it’s the subtle things that he is able to do that will make scouts want to go to bat for him when draft season rolls around.

Elijah Mitchell, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
The Rajun Cajuns came away victorious once again in what was a spicy matchup against Georgia State, as running back Elijah Mitchell rushed for 164 yards, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime — after setting up the go-ahead score with a 53-yard scamper. Mitchell also had a 59-yard touchdown run during the game, showcasing his long speed while averaging more than 10 yards per carry on the day. A two-star recruit coming out of high school, the rugged, tough, downhill runner is used to being slept on, but he has quietly emerged as one of the top senior running back prospects in the nation. He looks to follow in the footsteps of former teammate and Collegiate Bowl participant Raymond Calais Jr. (L.A. Rams), who was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Dorian Etheridge, LB, Louisville
A four-year starter and team captain, Louisville middle linebacker Dorian Ehteridge has been a staple of excellence for the Cardinals. His efforts in primetime against the Miami Hurricanes didn’t go unnoticed, as he demonstrated his sideline-to-sideline prowess with seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Praised for his smarts and intelligence by the coaching staff, Etheridge possesses the type of raw athleticism, along with consistency that could make him an appealing developmental prospect at the next level.

*Be sure to follow the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest scouting notes, alumni updates and event news! Also, tune in to our weekly podcast hosted by NFLPA Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat and Ric Serritella of the NFL Draft Bible.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 1: Bailey Zappe, Jonathan Adams Jr., Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Houston Baptist quarterback Bailey Zappe (AP Photo/Mark Rogers)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Be sure to monitor the NFLPA Bowl Watch List for new player additions throughout the season!

Bailey Zappe, QB, Houston Baptist

In Lubbock, Texas, the Houston Baptist Huskies nearly pulled off a huge upset versus Texas Tech behind the valiant effort of gunslinger quarterback Bailey Zappe, who was highly efficient, completing 30 of 49 passes for 567 yards and four touchdowns. His ability to throw the deep ball was on full display, tossing touchdown passes of 65, 65 and 75 yards. In addition, Zappe flashed the ability to alter arm angles and show an array of releases, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. His offensive coordinator is Zach Kittley, who was the Texas Tech quarterbacks coach when Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was enrolled.

It’s safe to say that some of that magic has rubbed off on Zappe, as he now has thrown for more than 1,000 passing yards, with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions, through his first two games against FBS opponents. You can be sure that NFL scouts will be paying close attention to Zappe when the Huskies visit Conference USA foe Louisiana Tech in their next matchup.

Jonathan Adams Jr., WR, Arkansas State
Another small school standout put together a big-game performance in Manhattan, Kansas this past weekend. This time, it was Arkansas State playmaker Jonathan Adams Jr., who totaled eight catches for 98 yards and a trio of touchdowns, including the game-winning score with just 38 seconds remaining, helping the Red Wolves prevail over Kansas State. The long, big-bodied receiver demonstrated tremendous athleticism, making several acrobatic catches and one-handed grabs, in addition to showing off his wide catch radius with his vertical game.

Last year, the NFLPA Bowl featured two Arkansas State wideouts who eventually landed on NFL rosters in Omar Bayless (Panthers) and Kirk Merritt (Dolphins). The next player to emerge from the pipeline could very well be the talented Adams Jr.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish defensive dynamo that is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, was flying all over the field on Saturday with nine tackles, including two tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble. The converted safety has thrived in his new linebacker (rover) role, demonstrating the type of natural instincts, athleticism and closing speed that could make him a very high selection once the NFL Draft rolls around.

His performance was an excellent start to the season, which caught the attention of our scouting staff and also helped guide Notre Dame to the win over Duke in their first ever ACC matchup in school history.

*Be sure to follow the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest scouting notes, alumni updates and event news! Also, tune in to our weekly podcast hosted by NFLPA Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat and Ric Serritella of the NFL Draft Bible.

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58 players from 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Sign With NFL Teams

The 2020 NFL season is upon us, setting the stage for the league’s newest members to make their mark as rookies.

Among that group are 58 players who, after participating in this year’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, made last week’s final NFL roster cuts. This tally is an 18-player improvement from last year, continuing the Collegiate Bowl’s upward trend as we enter the game’s 10th anniversary.

Congratulations to all of our Collegiate Bowl participants for realizing their professional dreams:

JAKE LUTON
QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

JASON HUNTLEY
RB, Philadelphia Eagles

RAYMOND CALAIS
RB, L.A. Rams

SCOTTIE PHILLIPS
RB, Houston Texans

DARNELL MOONEY
WR, Chicago Bears

MARQUEZ CALLAWAY
WR, New Orleans Saints

CHARLIE WOERNER
TE, San Francisco 49ers

NOAH TOGIAI
TE, Indianapolis Colts

DANNY PINTER
OL, Indianapolis Colts

JOHN MOLCHON
OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BRODERICK WASHINGTON
DL, Baltimore Ravens

MALCOLM ROACH
DL, New Orleans Saints

SHAUN BRADLEY
LB, Philadelphia Eagles

L’JARIUS SNEED
DB, Kansas City Chiefs

JAYLINN HAWKINS
S, Atlanta Falcons

STERLING HOFRICHTER
P, Atlanta Falcons

 

First Name Last Name Pos. NFL Team College Status
Jake Luton QB Jacksonville Oregon State Active
Reid Sinnett QB Tampa Bay San Diego P-Squad
Raymond Calais RB L.A. Rams Louisiana Lafayette Active
Jason Huntley RB Philadelphia New Mexico State Active
Sewo Olonilua RB Dallas TCU P-Squad
Scottie Phillips RB Houston Mississippi Active
Artavis Pierce RB Chicago Oregon State P-Squad
Jonathan Ward RB Arizon Central Michigan P-Squad
Omar Bayless WR Carolina Arkansas State IR
Tony Brown WR Washington Colorado P-Squad
Marquez Callaway WR New Orleans Tennessee Active
Aaron Fuller WR Seattle Washington P-Squad
Juwan Green WR Atlanta Albany P-Squad
JJ Koski WR L.A. Rams Cal Poly P-Squad
Kirk Merritt WR Miami Arkansas State P-Squad
Darnell Mooney WR Chicago Tulane Active
Joshua Pearson WR Tampa Bay Jacksonville State P-Squad
Chris Rowland WR Atlanta Tennessee State P-Squad
Scotty Washington WR Cincinnati Wake Forest P-Squad
Rashod Berry TE New England Ohio State P-Squad
Farrod Green TE Indianapolis Mississippi State P-Squad
Tyler Mabry TE Seattle Maryland P-Squad
Noah Togiai TE Indianapolis Oregon State Active
Charlie Woerner TE San Francisco Georgia Active
Brady Aiello OL Cleveland Oregon State P-Squad
Blake Brandel OL Minnesota Oregon State P-Squad
Kyle Hinton OL Minnesota Washburn P-Squad
Zach Johnson OL Green Bay North Dakota State P-Squad
John Molchon OL Tampa Bay Boise State Active
Danny Pinter OL Indianapolis Ball State Active
Kamaal Seymour OL Las Vegas Rutgers P-Squad
Samuel Tecklenburg OL Carolina Baylor P-Squad
Ron’Dell Carter DL Dallas James Madison P-Squad
LaCale London DL Chicago Western Illinois P-Squad
Chauncey Rivers DL Baltimore Mississippi State P-Squad
Malcolm Roach DL New Orleans Texas Active
Delontae Scott DL Green Bay SMU P-Squad
Kobe Smith DL Tennessee South Carolina P-Squad
Teair Tart DL Tennessee Florida International P-Squad
Broderick Washington DL` Baltimore Texas Tech Active
Jonah Williams DL L.A. Rams Weber State P-Squad
Krys Barnes LB Green Bay UCLA P-Squad
Daniel Bituli LB L.A. Rams Tennessee P-Squad
Shaun Bradley LB Philadelphia Temple Active
Cole Christiansen LB Army L.A Chargers P-Squad
Tipa Galeai LB Green Bay Utah State P-Squad
Christian Rozeboom LB L.A. Rams South Dakota State P-Squad
Chapelle Russell LB Tampa Bay Temple P-Squad
Tyler Hall DB Atlanta Wyoming P-Squad
Jaylinn Hawkins DB Atlanta California Active
Amari Henderson DB Jacksonville Wake Forest P-Squad
Chris Miller DB Tennessee Baylor P-Squad
Jovante Moffatt DB Cleveland Middle Tennessee P-Squad
L’Jarius Sneed DB Kansas City Louisiana Tech Active
Will Sunderland DB Green Bay Troy IR
Nigel Warrior DB Baltimore Tennessee P-Squad
Javin White DB Las Vegas UNLV P-Squad
Sterling Hofrichter P Atlanta Syracuse Active

 

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2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Specialists

Western Kentucky punter John Haggerty

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board has been rolled out during the past week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we finish things off with specialists:

(*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.)

TWO TO WATCH

John Haggerty, P, Western Kentucky:
One of several Aussie punters on the NFLPA Big Board this year, John Haggerty displayed impressive punting skill last season for the Hilltoppers – his first playing American football. The 25-year-old from Melbourne routinely had touch-to-toe times in the mid 1.3 seconds and demonstrated on numerous occasions the ability to hang the ball up in the air for greater than 4.5 seconds. With 17 punts of 50+ yards, Haggerty certainly has the leg strength to compete in the NFL, but what was more impressive were his 18 punts placed inside the 20-yard line and only two touchbacks.

J.D. Spielman, RS/WR, TCU:
For three consecutive seasons at Nebraska, wide receiver and return specialist J.D. Spielman put up impressive numbers while annually earning all-conference honors. The 5-9, 185-pound speedster was a full-time starter at wide receiver who also received touches from the backfield and in the kicking game in order to get the ball in his dangerous hands. In fact, the dynamic Spielman is one of only three players in Cornhusker history to score a return touchdown in three consecutive seasons. Be sure to keep an eye out for the versatile Spielman with the Horned Frogs in 2020.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: SPECIALISTS

James Smith P Cincinnati 6-4 227
Max Duffy P Kentucky 6-1 186
Parker White K South Carolina 6-4 200
J.D. Spielman WR Texas Christian 5-9 185
John Haggerty P Western Kentucky 6-5 230
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2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Cornerbacks

Central Arkansas cornerback Robert Rochell

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board has been rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with safeties:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas:
Playing tonight in their second game of the season are the Central Arkansas Bears and their star cornerback Robert Rochell. At 6-2, 195 pounds and with long arms, the Shreveport, Louisiana native possesses prototypical press-man cornerback size. NFL teams that heavily employ man-to-man or cover-3 schemes will in particular value Rochell’s physical stature, his willingness to get up at the line of scrimmage (LOS) to challenge wide receivers, his fluidity turning to run up field, and his ball skills to make plays. The first-team All-American in 2019 was very productive in the passing game, recording a career-best five interceptions and 13 passes broken up.

Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF:
Nickel back is one of the most demanding positions on the football field and UCF’s Aaron Robinson displays the skillfulness to handle all that is thrown his way. From understanding inside routes, outside routes, leverage, blitz responsibilities and run fits, the Alabama transfer put on a clinic in 2019 while recording 54 tackles, 10 passes broken up and three interceptions. The Deerfield Beach, Florida native possesses excellent route recognition, the athleticism to match steps in man-to-man coverage, the ability to elevate up to make a play on the ball, and the hands to come down with it. Not one to shy away from contact, Robinson works to shed blocks and is a solid wrap tackler in space.

Rodarius Williams, CB, Oklahoma State:
As a rare four-year starting cornerback in the Big 12, there isn’t much Rodarius Williams hasn’t seen. In the Cowboys’ quarters-style defense, Williams is oftentimes locked-up outside with a wide receiver, where he likes to get up in either press or bump-and-run technique. Standing at 6-0 and 187 pounds, the Shreveport, Louisiana native possesses the size and length to match up with most wide receivers, and his experience leads him to be able to remain square in coverage, read the route, break on the ball and reach in to knock away. Though not a trained killer as a tackler, the redshirt senior who’s started every game in his career does just enough to get ball carriers down.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: CORNERBACKS

Jerry Jacobs CB Arkansas 6-0 206
Robert Rochell CB Central Arkansas 6-2 195
Tay Gowan CB Central Florida 6-1 185
Brandon”Bam” Moore CB Central Florida 5-11 186
Aaron Robinson CB Central Florida 6-0 193
Coby Bryant CB Cincinnati 6-0 195
Michael Carter II CB Duke 5-11 180
DJ Daniel CB Georgia 6-1 185
Mark Webb CB Georgia 6-1 200
Damarion Williams CB Houston 5-11 170
AJ Parker CB Kansas State 5-11 178
Brandin Echols CB Kentucky 5-11 174
Kary Vincent Jr. CB Louisiana State 5-11 185
Jaylon Jones CB Mississippi 5-10 183
Patrice Rene CB North Carolina 6-2 205
Tre Brown CB Oklahoma 5-10 181
Rodarius Williams CB Oklahoma State 6-0 187
Brandon Stephens CB SMU 6-0 206
Shawn Shamburger CB Tennessee 5-11 187
Elijah Blades CB Texas A&M 6-2 185
Myles Jones CB Texas A&M 6-3 185
DaMarcus Fields CB Texas Tech 6-0 200
Zech McPhearson CB Texas Tech 6-0 188
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