Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

WEEK 2: Baylor vs UT-San Antonio

Baylor’s offense has some very talented seniors at the skill positions, including wide receivers Denzel Mims, Chris Platt and Marques Jones. With imposing size and very good length, Mims is a threat both across the middle of the field as well as downfield, where he can utilize his God-given size to play big-boy football with DBs. Sixth-year player Platt plays the slot role, where his shiftiness and quickness enable him to free up underneath and help compensate for his lack of elite stature.

Up front for Baylor, Jake Fruhmorgen – who plays both center and tackle – anchored the offensive line. Fruhmorgen’s versatility to potentially play any of the five OL positions will give him great value as he looks to translate to the next level. Both he and left guard Sam Tecklenburg possess the size and length to hold their own in the trenches, with Tecklenberg being that big-bodied guard more in the mauler’s type. In the backfield, shifty running back JaMycal Hasty had lower production in the game due to Baylor spreading the action around, but he remains a tough, inside runner with ability to catch the ball out of the backfield to contribute in the passing game as well. Hasty has been a kick returner in the past, giving him good versatility to contribute on special teams.

On defense for Baylor, nose tackle Bravvion Roy anchors the middle of the line with his shorter, compact frame, which enables him to keep his pads down in the run game. Behind Roy roaming the middle of the field are senior linebackers Clay Johnston and Blake Lynch. Johnston is a slighter framed middle linebacker who makes the defensive calls, gets everyone aligned pre-snap and then is a force once the ball is snapped. Lynch – who’s a taller athlete with good thickness in his trunk and lower legs – has this whopping statistic: in his career, he’s made 18 starts at five different positions (corner, linebacker, safety, wide receiver, running back) and has also seen game action at wildcat quarterback! That clues you into the type of athlete he is and the Collegiate Bowl is anxious to monitor his strides this season as a full-time linebacker. In the secondary, Chris Miller returns for his second season as a starting safety and is a good-looking prospect physically.

For the Road Runners, Carl Austin III led the team in tackles from his free safety position, which is a good sign that he’s back from an ACL injury that cost him his 2018 season. Austin III is a physical player with adequate size and length who likely will have to compete as a special teams player at the next level. Up front for San Antonio, Eric Banks is as pretty as they come physically while standing 6-5 and weighing 270 pounds. NFL teams that run 4-3 defenses surely will fall in love with his size and length, but it will be his production and ability to harass the quarterback that remain the biggest question marks.

LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., defends a pass intended for Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

WEEK 2: Texas vs. LSU

For Texas, it’s literally difficult to overlook their wide receiver corps, particularly with deep threat Collin Johnson standing on outside. The human highlight reel from a season ago possesses not only an imposing frame to shield defenders from the ball, but also the athleticism and body control to adjust, elevate and high point the ball in the air. Barring the unforeseen, the NFL commissioner will be calling his name early come late April.

Fellow wideout Devin Duvernay’s name may not be called much later if he continues to do what he displayed versus LSU. Duvernay – while possessing a stockier, compact frame – displayed the ability to regularly break arm tackles with his power, and then the speed to take it the distance. He claims to run the 40 in the 4.3-second range and to be the fastest player in the Big XII; if he does, then we could have two Longhorn receivers taken early in April.

John Burt is another senior wideout for Texas to keep an eye on as he has the physical tools to potentially warrant a shot. Finally on offense, center Zach Shackelford anchors a Texas OL that dominated much of the game in trenches. In his third year as a starter, Shackelford owns the size, strength, athleticism and versatility to potentially be a three-position contributor who can compete for a backup spot early in his career.

On defense for the Longhorns, Malcolm Roach headlines a deep defensive line with fellow senior Jamari Chisholm getting in on the action. Roach – who’s a stockier built player in the mold of a 3-technique at the next level – began his career at OLB before growing into his current position.

At linebacker, Jeffrey McCulloch is a thickly built athlete who was active while recording six tackles, including one for a loss. Safety Brandon Jones also recorded six tackles but his tackle for loss came when he recorded a sack. There were some whispers a year ago that the three-year starter may declare early after a 70-tackle, two-interception season, but the senior returned to build on his production and captain this talented Longhorn team.

For the Tigers, quarterback Joe Burrow took center stage, demonstrating great poise and confidence while passing his way to 471 yards and four touchdowns. While it’s still early in the season, Burrow has shown development in decision-making as well as increased accuracy while completing an astounding 81% of his passes through two weeks. Up front protecting him is All-SEC right guard Damien Lewis, who is a mauler in the run game. Despite only standing about 6-2, Lewis is a powerful, powerful man with quick feet and the ability to win his matchups with leverage.

On the other side of the ball for LSU, defensive end Rashard Lawrence had a quieter night statistically speaking but came up with a big patted pass where he alertly got his hands up in the throwing lane. Linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. may have seemed heavenly to some Tiger supporters, pacing the team with 10 tackles and a sack while playing like his usual hair-on-fire self. The Marrero, LA native moved inside this year from outside linebacker where his leadership and ability to see the field are front and center.

In the secondary, Kristian Fulton returned to lock-down his side of the field playing cornerback. Blessed with prototypical NFL size and length to accompany his excellent playing speed, Fulton led LSU with two pass breakups against Texas, displaying the type of anticipation and ball skills that will translate immediately to the next level. Not to be forgotten, senior long snapper Blake Ferguson also had a good night for the Tigers while accurately placing his short and deep snaps. Blake, now a four-year starter and permanent team captain, is the younger brother of Reid Ferguson, who preceded him at LSU and now snaps for the Buffalo Bills.

Rice offensive lineman Nick Leverett (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

WEEK 2: Rice vs Wake Forest

Under second-year head coach Mike Bloomgren, Rice fields a young team with only six senior starters. One of those who we have our eyes on is left guard Nick Leverett, who is a grad transfer from N.C. Central that started the last three years at tackle for the Eagles. Leverett is a thick and athletic guard with adequate length who blocks physically in the run game while staying alert in pass protection. He’ll remain as an interior prospect for the NFL, and I’d like to see him take some reps at center if he gets into an all-star game setting.

One fellow Owl who stood out in pregame is grad punter Chris Barnes, who flashed a big leg while hanging one punt up in the air for 4.78 seconds. He displayed his leg strength with a 50-yard punt in the game, but his consistency will be a determining factor on his NFL chances.

For the Deacons, head coach Dave Clawson has a much deeper senior class of prospects, highlighted by defenders Justin Strnad and Essang Bassey. Strnad – a three-year starter at linebacker – is a long, rangy athlete who’s active with a nose for the ball. Bassey, also a three-year starter, is a shorter cornerback with a good frame and long arms for his size and demonstrated his speed and ability to remain sticky in coverage. Despite his shorter stature, the Columbus, GA native has been very productive in his career breaking up passes, due in part to his good length.

On the offensive side of the ball, left tackle Justin Herron is an athlete who’s a bit undersized while teetering around 295 pounds. But that didn’t stop him from getting good movement working double teams in the run game. After suffering a season-ending injury in the opener last season the four-year starter has the opportunity to become Wake Forest’s all-time starts leader among offensive linemen.

Out wide, big receiver Scotty Washington had a memorable game while leading the team with seven catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. The Washington, D.C. native made some Moss-like catches in the game, twice going up to highpoint balls en route to explosive touchdowns. Continuing to use his body to shield defenders from the ball will surely raise his draft stock, as will continuously improving his short-area quickness at the line of scrimmage to escape what will be aggressive NFL corners.

Missouri Western QB Wyatt Steigerwald

WEEK 2: Missouri Western vs Northwest Missouri State

When it comes to scouting Division II schools, it’s easy for many to dismiss the level of competition. But if you look closely, you’ll see that 49 D-II players made NFL rosters this season, with another 17 on practice squads. The top active roster position group is defensive backs, which comprise 13 of the players.

In a battle of two MIAA rivals, I was able to see perhaps the most impressive-looking cornerback of the season in Northwest State’s Chama Pierre, who stands just a shade under 6-1 and has greater than 33” arms – which is rare! When there’s talk about prototypical press corners, Pierre is what NFL scouts picture. The Lake Worth, Fla. native showed his speed and athleticism chasing down a kick returner who had broken through the pack. Unfortunately for Pierre, he suffered a knee injury early in the 2^nd quarter, causing him to miss the rest of the game.

On the opposite side of the field, Missouri Western fields a team nicely comprised of seniors and upcoming depth. Protecting senior quarterback Wyatt Steigerwald is an all-senior offensive line, anchored by four-year starter Hayden Eatinger, who made first-team all-conference last season in his first year playing center. Eatinger – who started at guard during his first two seasons – is a broad-shouldered player with good length playing inside who displays the toughness and finish to have a chance getting into an NFL camp. Position flexibility is imperative for backup offensive linemen in the NFL so his experience playing three positions will bode well for his chances.

James Madison defensive lineman Rondell Carter

WEEK 2: James Madison vs. St. Francis

FCS powerhouse JMU boasts several notable prospects on the NFL radar, including defensive end Ron’dell Carter, who possesses prototypical size and strength. His ability to consistently generate a pass-rush and bully his opponent was an impressive display. The former Rutgers recruit certainly checked off a lot of boxes on the evening.

In the secondary, Dukes cornerback Rashad Robinson showed no ill-effects from his foot injury, which kept him out for the entire 2018 season. Two years ago, Robinson feasted on opposing quarterbacks, collecting seven interceptions. His footwork and change of direction appear to be restored. After the impact that former teammate Jimmy Moreland (seventh round pick by Redskins in 2019) has made thus far early on in his NFL career, scouts will want to pay attention to ‘Double R.’

Was impressed with how well @JMUFootball CB Rashad Robinson looked coming off injury. His change of direction/mirror skills were on point.

It was fun to watch him get physical in press man coverage which frustrated some of the bigger opposing WRs.

Another @NFLPABowl candidate. pic.twitter.com/5AnTk7IONB

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) September 9, 2019

While this game was over almost as quickly as it began, Saint Francis offensive guard Christian Eubanks made the most of his efforts, holding ground against Carter and Co. A four-year starter for the Red Flash, Eubanks has started at both tackle and guard during his career. A football and wrestling standout at Reynoldsburg High School in Ohio, his grappling skills in the trenches were noticeable.

*Be sure to follow @NFLPABowl for behind the scenes coverage of our scouting trails leading up to the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, held January 18^th, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena!

Virginia Tech quarterback Ryan Willis (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

WEEK 2: Virginia Tech vs. Old Dominion

The Hokies entered this matchup seeking revenge from their upset loss to ODU a year ago and safety Reggie Floyd made sure there would be none of the same. Virginia Tech likes to utilize Floyd in a variety of ways, as he lined up all over the field and was even seen in the backfield chasing down the opposing quarterback. His leadership and lunch bucket mentality definitely rubs off on his teammates.

The @NFLPABowl was on hand for the @HokiesFB game on Sat.

DS Reggie Floyd is a fire starter! Clearly the heartbeat of the team, he demonstrated the skill-set to play either safety position + was lined up in the box a lot.

All business, he brought the lunch bucket to media day! pic.twitter.com/IlQKVCgdWb

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) September 9, 2019

On offense, quarterback Ryan Willis operated the offense efficiently, commanding the middle of the field, while showing the ability to make smart decisions and deliver accurate passes to his receivers. The transfer from Kansas has earned plenty of experience, making his 12^th start for the Hokies, after 11 starts for the Jayhawks.

A familiar friend was now a foe on this day, as wide out Eric Kumah, who transferred from Virginia Tech to Old Dominion during the offseason, attempted to keep the Monarchs in the game. The thick, big-bodied pass-catcher shrugged off boos throughout the game to make a handful of catches over the middle of the field—he would finish with three receptions for 24 yards on the day.

*Be sure to follow @NFLPABowl for behind the scenes coverage of our scouting trails leading up to the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, held January 18^th, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena!

Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall (AP Photo/Andrew Shurtleff)

WEEK 2: Virginia vs. William & Mary

The Cavaliers are a talented program on the upswing, led by cornerback Bryce Hall, who returned for his senior season in order to earn his degree and hone his craft. It appears that it’ll pay off, as Hall flashed fancy footwork, a smooth backpedal and fluid hips. The Pennsylvania native seems destined to be a top 100 draft selection come April.

Entering the season NFL scouting services had mixed grades on @UVAFootball CB Bryce Hall. Well, I’m here to tell you that he looked like a top 100 prospect to me.

Sound footwork + change of direction, along with prototype size/speed. He has captured the attention of @NFLPABowl! pic.twitter.com/4h0hOI1LwK

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) September 9, 2019

The “other” Bryce, as in quarterback Bryce Perkins, orchestrated the Virginia offense to the tune of 52 points, while showing off a strong arm and tremendous ball velocity. Perkins was spraying the ball all over the field, as eight different receivers caught passes. He accounted for two touchdowns through the air and another via the ground, despite sitting out most of the second half.

For William & Mary, lengthy safety Isaiah Laster hovered the secondary, playing a smooth centerfield, while collecting seven tackles and utilizing his long arms to disrupt a deep pass. Laster hails from a football family and has been playing the sport since he was six years old. He’s also an academic standout off the field, which is noticeable on the field, as he is quick to react to the play as it develops.

*Be sure to follow @NFLPABowl for behind-the-scenes coverage of our scouting trails leading up to the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 18, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena!

Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Week 1: Notre Dame vs. Louisville

Louisville is a young team with some talent but senior-wise it comes down to wide receiver Seth Dawkins, who made a fantastic back-shoulder catch early in the game that showcased his body control and natural ball skills. Similarly impressive is punter Mason King who physically looks like a linebacker while standing 6-4 and 215 lbs. The senior displayed his superior leg strength in both pregame warmups and during the game, regularly hanging punts up north of 4.5 seconds – which is impressive!

Notre Dame is a senior-rich team that physically looks like an NFL squad. One of the most impressive looking prospects is wide receiver Chase Claypool, who at 6-4, 230 has a frame reminiscent of Larry Fitzgerald’s. The senior receiver showed his ability to body-up throws, run physically and build up his speed with his long strides downfield, but there is more talent here than production and I’d like to see him make some dominant plays like he’s capable of.

An intriguing fellow wideout is Chris Finke who’s the complete opposite of Claypool in size and is the shiftier/slot type outlet who also adds value in the return game. Running back Tony Jones Jr. displayed his run skill and vision while exploiting holes in Louisville’s front. Up front, starting left tackle Liam Eichenberg looks like some of his recent team predecessors with his long body and length that he uses to keep defenders at arm’s reach. Fellow right guard Tommy Kraemer provide some road graders for Jones Jr. to run behind, and Kraemer is every bit of that 319 pounds while getting after it in the run game.

On defense, the Irish have a plethora of pass-rushing talent with seniors Daelin Hayes, Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem. All three look the part physically while possessing long arms to help maintain separation from blockers, and their sheer depth of numbers should mean they can continue to rotate throughout games to remain fresh. In the secondary, Troy Pride made a couple nice plays from his cornerback position, showing a willingness to get physical while remaining sticky in coverage. Fellow DB Jalen Elliott is a good-looking safety who I think is playing a bit out of position at the free safety spot. Elliott reminds me a bit of Landon Collins in how he’s built, and he made a couple nice open-field tackles that saved gains from becoming more explosive. I’d like to see his imposing presence down near the line of scrimmage, however, where he can get involved in even more run plays and utilize his length while matching up with tight ends versus the pass.

Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Week 1: Oklahoma vs. Houston

While the outcome may be reminiscent of Oklahoma’s previous two prolific Heisman winners, quarterback Jalen Hurts’ style is much different than either’s. I came away impressed with Hurts’ accuracy throwing the ball downfield, the strength of his arm when making tighter-window throws, as well as his ability to consistently fall forward as a ball carrier. What concerns me is that Jalen is a taller athlete with longer legs and stride, and several times versus Houston I grew concerned that his style can potentially lead to injury as he was cut down low by tacklers. If he can stay healthy and avoid some unnecessary wear and tear, I expect him to be a top-5 quarterback prospect.

On the defensive side for Oklahoma, Canadian defensive tackle Neville Gallimore made his presence felt in the game with a sack. Gallimore is an intriguing prospect due to his combination of size and athleticism, and he has upside to be a versatile piece that can play any of the interior positions across even & odd fronts. In the secondary, cornerback Parnell Motley made his third consecutive season-opener start, which speaks to his experience and competitiveness. The senior corner showed a willingness to get physical with Cougar wide receivers despite possessing a leaner frame in the run game, and he recorded a pass break up in the 2^nd half while in part showing his ability to be successful in both facets of the game. As more passing teams appear on the Sooners’ schedule, Motley will surely be tested through the air.

For Houston, quarterback/athlete D’Eriq King razzled and dazzled his way around the field, showcasing his exciting playstyle. While I don’t think he’s polished at this point as a passer, he does have some arm talent to go along with his athletic skillset. I see him playing wide receiver and being that Antwaan Randle El versatile piece at the NFL level; and I’d love to see him return a punt or three as he possesses the speed, COD and natural run instincts to be dangerous if he can field the ball.

Up front protecting King is four senior blockers, led by Josh Jones. The left tackle  looks the part physically with his long body and arms. While he’ll surely continue to add on good weight for the next level, he has the play demeanor and athleticism to be potentially productive at four OL positions.