2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Roster

NATIONAL TEAM

AMERICAN TEAM

*Please note that this roster is subject to change and this page will reflect the most up-to-date roster available.

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10th Anniversary Collegiate Bowl Q&A: Darnell Mooney

Back in 2019, as Darnell Mooney waited to see if he’d be invited to a postseason all-star showcase, the-then Tulane receiver remembers thinking, “All I need is an opportunity.”

That lone opportunity came through the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl – and the rest has literally been history. After standing out during the 2020 game at Rose Bowl Stadium and getting drafted with the No. 173 overall pick by the Chicago Bears, Mooney shattered the franchise record for most catches by a rookie wide receiver with 61. His catch total also tied another guy whom you’ve probably heard of for the fourth-most ever by an NFL rookie drafted in the fifth round or later – Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs. Mooney continued his ascent this year, becoming just the 18th Bear to record a 1,000-yard receiving season while evolving into a favorite target for quarterback Justin Fields.

Now as a member of the prestigious Collegiate Bowl 10th Anniversary Team, Mooney recently reflected on his experience and how it helped pave the way for his instant NFL success.

Chicago Bears Darnell Mooney, center, runs with the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

 

What was your initial reaction when you got that invite from the Collegiate Bowl?
Well, it was my only one, so I was pretty excited. For me, it was just another opportunity to put my name out there and showcase my talent.

What was your mindset going into that week?
I wanted to get noticed by scouts and learn about the NFL while I was there, and I definitely did both of those things. I wasn’t used to talking about myself, and it’s still not really my favorite thing [laughs]. I usually let my work on the field do the talking. So having to be vocal and sort of sell myself to the scouts was different. It put me out of my comfort zone, but it also gave me that experience and has helped prepare for me what comes with being at the NFL level.

With former NFL head coaches and Hall of Famers on the coaching staffs, were there any tips or takeaways that stuck with you?
[American Coach] Hue [Jackson] gave us some good insight on how the NFL is and he had us practice and do plays that we would see at the professional level. The receiver coaches were good and pretty funny. Honestly, practices were bigger than the game. You knew you were doing good based on how many people came up to you after practice. And seeing how many scouts were there definitely motivated us all.

Looking back on your experience, how much of a role did the Collegiate Bowl play in where you are now?
I felt like I proved myself and showed that any team drafting me was getting a diamond. After talking with the scouts and getting coached up that week, I felt confident that I’d get drafted; I just didn’t know when or where. It also taught me that I can talk about myself when I have to and also show it on the field. All in all, the experience and sessions help show you that football is a business. You want to have fun while you’re playing, but at the same time, it’s a business, so you have to treat it like that. It taught me how to be comfortable while being uncomfortable and pushed me to accept the challenge in front of me.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game Information

*The 10th Anniversary NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game will be played on January 29th at 3:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET.

*The game will take place at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA and the broadcast will be on NFL Network.

*Marvin Lewis will lead the National Team and Jeff Fisher will lead the American Team.

*Unfortunately, due to the ongoing surge of the Omicron variant in our country, tickets are not available to attend this year’s game in person.

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2022 Collegiate Bowl Coaching Staff

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has always had a rich history of bringing in talented and experienced coaches to guide players through practice week and the game. Below are the coaching staffs of the National and American teams for the 2022 Collegiate Bowl.

 

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10th Anniversary Collegiate Bowl Q&A: Samson Ebukam

Samson Ebukam entered the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with few assumptions and plenty to prove.

So when Ebukam – the same Eastern Washington linebacker whom many had deemed too small – walked through the lobby of the California hotel where he and the Collegiate Bowl players stayed during game week, he figured most pro scouts would not recognize him.

“I’m trying to go back to my room after dinner and I see the hallways filled with scouts,” Ebukam recalled. “I didn’t know if they would talk to me or not, so I just kept walking to my room. But every time, I got stopped by a scout and they started talking, saying they were watching me. So I said, alright bet; I must be some wagyu [steak] if these scouts are talking to me. The exposure was great in building my confidence and stock.”

Three months later, L.A. Rams legend and Collegiate Bowl assistant coach Jackie Slater called Ebukam’s name as the No. 125 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. Now in his first season as a starting defender for playoff bound-San Francisco, Ebukam – who was selected to the Collegiate Bowl 10th anniversary team – recently took time to reflect on his life-changing experience.

What was your initial reaction when you were invited to the Collegiate Bowl?
It was surreal at the moment. Me being from a small school, I didn’t know how big of a step it was until I got there because then I saw every single NFL team that was there. Practice motivated me to push a little harder. Talking to the scouts, they were very high on me, which was kind of surprising because I
didn’t know I was talked about that much. I thought I was under the radar, so my attitude was to make sure I was on my stuff when I got there.

What was it like having Hall of Famers and former NFL stars be the coaches? Was there anything they said that really stuck with you?
At that point, everything they did and said stood out because we didn’t know any better. All of us were just trying to figure it out as we went along. They helped out a lot and showed us how NFL coaches talk at the next level. They talk real direct to you about what need to do, and that kept me on my toes and had me ready once I got to the NFL.

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Samson Ebukam is pictured during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 30-23. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

 

How much did it help competing against some of the country’s other top prospects during that week?
It felt great and you definitely got a lot of exposure. I welcomed the challenge, because every time I’m competing against people that are really good, I always have to do more to make sure I’m sharp, focused, and on point. By the end of the week, I knew I belonged in this league. It really boosted my confidence.

What tips did you take away from the NFLPA University sessions each evening about the business of football?
The money and finances parts really stood out, when it comes to having money and being mindful of the people you surround yourself with to help manage those things. A lot of us grew up in similar situations, not having much money, and a lot of us were about to have quite a bit of money. So we were reminded to make sure your family doesn’t take advantage of you. It helps you realize that you’re the one doing the work; you’re the one putting your body through all of that every day, so you are the one who should reap the most financially and make sure you aren’t being taken advantage of unknowingly. It was really helpful.

Based on your experience, what would you say separates the Collegiate Bowl from other all-star games?
It’s a bigger stage. It’s just that simple. It’s a bigger stage to show what you got. All scouts know about the game; a lot more than East-West [Shrine] game. You get to be on the big stage with the NFLPA having your back. It doesn’t get better than that.

Tune in to watch Samson compete in the NFC Wild Card game on January 16th against the Dallas Cowboys.
And of course, tune in to NFL Network for the 10th edition of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 29 at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Conference Championship Week Watch List Report

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl.

 

In their second season under head coach Dave Aranda, Baylor won their first Big12 championship since 2013. Coming into the conference as a defensive coach, some had raised their eyebrows and questioned if Aranda could be successful. On Saturday, it was the Bears’ defensive performance that saw them hold off an Oklahoma State team that was mounting a comeback after Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen suffered an injury.

While he was not the one who made the fourth down stop, it was Jalen Pitre playing another outstanding game. The defensive back was all over the field, embodying what Aranda’s defense is all about: instincts, discipline, physicality and versatility. Pitre recorded seven tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage. Furthermore, he deflected two passes. The Texas native was the only player sticking to their commitment to Baylor in wake of the horrendous scandal in 2016. After joining the program at its lowest point, Pitre can now leave as a champion.

When the Pittsburgh Panthers announced in 2011 that they would join the ACC, few expected that they would compete for the conference championship. On Saturday night they did just that, as their defense shut out the high-flying Wake Forest passing attack through the final three quarters. The defense had always been the Panthers calling card since Pat Narduzzi took over as head coach in 2015, after previously serving as defensive coordinator for Michigan State.

But it was the offense for so many years that prevented them from getting over the hump. This year that changed, as quarterback Kenny Pickett was finally healthy and had the pieces around him to dominate in his fourth year as the starter. In the ACC championship game, he not only showed off his precision passing and sound decision-making but also had an exciting touchdown run, including a fake slide.

Finishing the season at 12-1 including a Sun Belt Championship wraps up another impressive regular season for the Louisiana football program. The Ragin’ Cajuns grabbed an early lead over Appalachian State in the first half and relied on their defense to close it out, winning 16-24. Senior outside linebacker Chauncey Manac was a big part of this, as he has been all season.

Finishing the game with six tackles, two and a half for loss, including a strip-sack as well as a fumble recovery, he was truly everywhere at Cajun Field. The strip-sack was crucial as Appalachian State was still within a shot of tying the game when Manac’s clutch play effectively ended the contest.


 

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00 am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella and Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!

 

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Conference Championship Week

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discusses some of the marquee matchups for college football in conference championship week, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella and Lorenz Leinweber during ‘The State of Football’ show on Sports Illustrated.


Below are some of the highly contested games that NFL scouts will be sure to pay close attention to this weekend:


Featured Game: Western Kentucky at UTSA, Friday, December 3rd, 7:00 pm

Two very successful programs will face off in the Alamodome on Friday night, in order to determine the Conference USA championship. UTSA had their miraculous season interrupted last week, as they lost against North Texas for their first loss of the season. To bounce back, the Roadrunners will look to rally around athletically gifted cornerback Tariq Woolen, as they look to slow down Western Kentucky’s explosive offense. Quarterback Bailey Zappe leads the country in passing yards and passing touchdowns.


Featured Game: #9 Baylor vs #5 Oklahoma State, Saturday, December 4th, 12:00 pm

Both teams competing in the Big12 championship game have exceeded expectations being ranked in the top ten this late in the season. In his second year at the helm, head coach Dave Aranda has built a squad that wins by running the ball and playing tough defense. Oklahoma State will have to stop the two-headed Baylor rushing attack in the form of Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner. When the Cowboys are on offense at AT&T Stadium, they are going to see plenty of Jalen Pitre, who is an instinctive defensive back who is always around the football.


 Featured Game: #21 Houston at #4 Cincinnati, Saturday, December 4th, 4:00 pm

Playoff hopes are on the line for this one, as the Cincinnati Bearcats look to make history and claim a spot as the first non power five team in the eight-year history of the playoff format. They will be led by quarterback Desmond Ridder, who is a strong-armed passer with outstanding leadership. His favorite target Alec Pierce has finally been healthy and able to show how dominant he can be all season. To slow them down, the Houston Cougars have to rely on their playmakers at cornerback. Damarion Williams and Marcus Jones need to prevail or Houston will have a problem.

 

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00 am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella and Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Thirteen Watch List Report  

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl.

 

Michigan has finally done it! For the first time since 2011, they beat Ohio State 42-27 in what was a memorable game in snowy Ann Arbor. The game that many hope will be a turning point in the Jim Harbaugh era was headlined by the Wolverines’ dominance in the trenches. Not only were they able to run the ball at will against the Buckeyes defense but also consistently got pressure on star quarterback CJ Stroud.

At the forefront of the defensive line’s effort was senior defensive end Aidan Hutchinson who came back to Michigan in order to win the big game. He had three quarterback sacks and was in the backfield consistently, as Ohio State had no answers to his pass rush. After the game, Jim Harbaugh stated, “Aidan, his performance was also dominant, single-season sack record already, definitely should be a strong consideration for the Heisman trophy.” Few embody the culture that Harbaugh is building like Hutchinson who will lead the Wolverines into their Big10 title game showdown against Iowa on Saturday.

Closing out their season with five consecutive victories, including the one over Oregon a week ago, the Utes have once again earned a Pac12 championship berth. In a home victory over Colorado, Utah’s run game was what led them to victory. Behind a big, physical offensive line, their lead rushers Tavion Thomas and TJ Pledger racked up 245 yards. Senior left tackle Bamidele Olaseni has come into his own and played a big part in Utah’s successful ground attack to end the season. At 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds, the former JUCO player possesses rare size, combined with excellent athleticism and he is just scratching the surface of what his potential might be.

Originally hailing from London, England, Olaseni was the ninth-rated JUCO offensive tackle in the nation, coming out of Garden City in 2019. After redshirting and then having an up and down 2020 campaign, he earned the starting left tackle early in 2021. “To be honest, the concept of college football’s offensive line is still crazy to me,” he said, “but it is what it is and I’m the type of person that doesn’t really actually like the spotlight.”


What could have been for the Auburn Tigers on Saturday night, as the team rallied around first-year head coach Bryan Harsin and almost pulled off the Iron Bowl upset over Alabama, losing in overtime. Despite the tough defeat, it was a strong defensive performance that put them in position to be within a chance of winning. Spearheaded by Roger McCreary, the Tigers only surrendered ten points in regulation, shutting out the Crimson Tide through three quarters.

The senior cornerback from Mobile, Alabama, deflected four passes and was all over Alabama’s star receivers right until the last play, where it was him who allowed the game-winning two-point conversion. Despite this, McCreary has been excellent all season and is expected to have his name called early in the NFL Draft. Auburn coaches describe him as a tough player, which is not something that is often said about cornerbacks.


 

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00 am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!

 

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Twelve Watch List Report  

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl.

 

Heading into the season, there was not a game in the Big 12 more anticipated than the week 12 matchup between Iowa State and Oklahoma. While the season did not turn out as expected for the Cyclones, the Sooners still have an opportunity for the College Football Playoffs. Their win on Saturday put them one step closer to reaching that goal.

In a strong defensive performance that limited star running back Breece Hall to 58 rushing yards, it was safety Delarrin Turner-Yell who stood out as a playmaker with 11 tackles, including some big third-down stops. The senior also added a timely third-quarter interception of Hunter Dekkers, almost putting the game out of reach for the Cyclones. After the game, Turner-Yell said: “You can call it being in the right place at the right time but at the end of the day I made a play and I’m very happy.”


 

Despite losing to Alabama this past weekend, Arkansas should be proud of their performance, as they kept the game close with a gutsy performance that included a successful fake field goal. The Razorbacks have taken a massive step forward in head coach Sam Pittman’s second season. A big reason for their success is fifth-year senior linebacker and special teams dynamo Grant Morgan, who demonstrated why he is so valuable to the program. He racked up eleven tackles, as well as two quarterback hurries in Tuscaloosa.

The former walk-on also surpassed the 300 career tackles milestone with his performance. Despite their admirable performance, Morgan clarified: “We are not into moral victories, everybody on that field believed that we could win the game. Just know, we are still on the rise and that game is another example of it.”


 

In his final game at the Horseshoe, Ohio State wideout Chris Olave proved why he is one of the best receivers in the country. Contributing seven receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns during the Buckeyes 56-7 rout of Michigan State, Olave made sure to put NFL scouts on notice. His second score was the 35th touchdown of his career, breaking the Buckeyes all-time school record, previously held by David Boston. It is safe to say that the one-time three-star recruit has exceeded expectations during his time in Columbus.

The San Diego native has now surpassed 700 receiving yards for three consecutive seasons while sharing the field with multiple future NFL wideouts. An excellent ball tracker, he will look to continue his downfield success at the next level in 2022. But first, Olave has plans to bring home ‘The Natty!’

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00 am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!

 

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 12 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discusses some of the marquee matchups for college football in week twelve, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Lorenz Leinweber during ‘The State of Football’ show on Sports Illustrated.

Below are some of the highly contested games that NFL scouts will be sure to pay close attention to this weekend:

Featured Game: Iowa State at #13 Oklahoma, Saturday, November 20th, 12:00 pm

Both teams coming off a disappointing loss makes this matchup, which many saw as the preview to the Big12 title game before the season, all the more intriguing. Defensive linemen Isaiah Thomas and Perrion Winfrey are trying to bounce back after Baylor ran all over Oklahoma last week. On the Cyclones side of the ball, they will have size advantages with their tight ends Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen who can catch the ball and open up rushing lanes as blockers.

Featured Game: #11 Baylor at Kansas State, Saturday, November 20th, 5:30 pm

Head coach Dave Aranda has done a great job in his second season at Baylor. After their huge win over Oklahoma, he has to keep his team focussed on their matchup with a potent Kansas State offense. Safety Jalen Pitre will assist in that task as he is one of the most instinctive players in all of college football, lining up and making plays all over for Baylor. On offense, they have to get the high-powered attack around backs Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner going again.


 

Featured Game: #3 Oregon vs #23 Utah, Saturday, November 20th, 9:00 pm

One of the biggest games of the week is going down out west at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday night. The 7-3 Utes currently sit on top of the Pac12 South and can almost secure a rematch with Oregon in the championship game if they can pull off the win. Huge offensive tackle Bamidele Olaseni who possesses outstanding size and athleticism has a big test against projected top pick Kayvon Thibodeaux.

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00 am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!

 

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