Getting To Know: National Team Collegiate Bowl Coach Marvin Lewis

After spending 16 seasons leading the Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Lewis will be back in a head coaching role for the National Team at the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

As a seasoned expert who began his coaching career in 1981 at Idaho State, Lewis has also led the record-setting defense of the Super Bowl XXXV champion Baltimore Ravens and been named AP Coach of the Year in 2009. With the Collegiate Bowl just around the corner, Lewis took time to talk about what players can do to best prepare for January’s showcase. 

 

What do you hope to bring to the game as a coach?

The fun part of coaching this game is the opportunity to educate these young guys about what they have ahead of them and their NFL career. I want them to learn how to take notes and the things we as coaches feel are important to become a great NFL player.

 

What advice can you offer guys trying to get to the next level?

This is the next paragraph on their resume. So, they will want to take full advantage of this week to show they can go out and play for any NFL team. The scheme is not complicated. So, they go and play fast, and they want to take full advantage of that.

Doing this game in the way it’s put together with basically former NFL players as well as the coaching staff with me, to help these guys guide them through this process. So many people think it’s about paper. It’s what you have on tape that is important.

 

As a former NFL head coach, what advice would you give to this next generation of players?

To understand that what you are doing in college is the most important thing you can do. The NFL combine is a medical check. But what you do on tape is your resume. So, take full advantage of your last year on campus and prepare hard for that last season. Every opportunity you have during college you must put your best foot forward. Don’t burn an opportunity. If you get injured, your resume will be shorter. But if you have taken advantage of your opportunity, it will hopefully do enough for you from there.

What I would always tell my guys is to look around the room and see who has been here the longest –that is who you want to be like. Study and train like him because he knows how to do it.

 

What do you recommend that the athletes know going into the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl to prepare them for the week?

I hope they show up in some semblance of football shape. For some of them, it might be a bit of time before they play football, and I hope they take that into account. We want to put these practices together so that the NFL scouts can see them do their competitive things. The point is to get them to the game healthy and ready to go.

 

What would you say to the guys who don’t end up getting drafted?

We all know guys in the NFL that did not make a squad the first time around and got an opportunity. 20% of NFL rosters that aren’t drafted make it as free agents. It is still out there for you. If they don’t get the right opportunity the first time around, keep training, stay prepared and stay ready. There have been perennial MVPs, Super Bowls and Pro Bowlers that didn’t make it the first time around. You got to keep grinding until you get the right spot and right opportunity.

I think it’s always important to remember that most of the time, the teams that win the Super Bowl, they have the most graduates. When you start something, make sure you finish it. There are many positive steps to working towards a college degree.

 

What will it be like to coach against your friend, former colleague and competitor Hue Jackson?

I think for both of us this is a great opportunity to partake as much knowledge to these young guys that will be underneath us. It’s an exciting opportunity for me that Hue is trying to do the same thing. And with the coaches we will have, it’s a two-fold thing.

A lot of my staff I picked up, Kevin Mawae, Rod Woodson, Jackie Slater. How can a young man pass on an opportunity like this? It’s a chance to be coached by the greats and for myself to watch my staff grow as coaches. It’s going to be such a fun time.

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Getting to Know NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Coach Hue Jackson

Hue Jackson is coming home. The Los Angles native will serve as head coach of the American Team at the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, marking the latest chapter in a coaching career that’s spanned more than 30 years.

Since beginning as an offensive assistant at his alma mater Pacific in 1987, Jackson has ascended to become a well-respected coach at the collegiate (California and USC) and NFL levels (Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals). In 2011, he took the reins as head coach of the Oakland Raiders for one season, and in 2015, he was named PFWA NFL Assistant Coach of the Year while with the Bengals.

We caught up with Jackson to talk about the wisdom he has to offer the next generation of players.

 

Why did you want to coach the Collegiate Bowl?

This is going to be these guys’ first intro to the NFL and having coached in the league in a lot of different places, I think I can give my guys advice to prepare them for that next step and providing professional instruction. Maybe one day, when they are looking back on their careers, they will say the coaching staff that Coach Jackson had during the Collegiate Bowl really helped me.

 

What do you recommend the athletes know going into the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl to prepare them for the week?

I hope they are in shape, that the foundation is ready because that is where it starts, and to be smart about it. Come in and compete and give it their all.

 

What advice can you offer guys trying to get to the next level?

To be in great shape, be coachable, be always interested in learning. There are different ways of doing things in football and it may be a bit different than the college game, but if they are ready to learn and really allow the staff to coach them, they will be in a good position moving forward.

 

What’s one thing you hope players know going into the week to set themselves apart?

I think the most important thing to know is that this will be a little more different and challenging than in college. I would hope they would be willing to do anything and everything, including contribute on special teams, to set themselves apart and to show to the scouts of why they were chosen to be on the team.

 

What advice would you give to the current upcoming generation of players that you have learned from coaching at the pro level?

Just always finding new ways to adapt and always looking for ways to get better. The good players are football-IQ smart. They work at their craft. They spend their time studying and they do spend the time.

The biggest thing I see for those players who want to avoid being labeled difficult is to never repeat those mistakes made by others that came before them. Whether it is preparing for that game to off-the-field decisions, they must make an opportunity to be drafted.

 

What would you say to the guys who don’t end up getting drafted?

It doesn’t mean it’s the end of your story. Your story is just beginning. It also doesn’t mean it’s the end of the opportunity. There are so many ways to make it into the football league. You never know how your story will unfold.

 

How do you feel about coaching against your friend Marvin Lewis in the Collegiate Bowl?

Just competing against him is always fun. It’s somebody that I really respect and someone I have a close relationship with. But when it’s time to play the game, we are both competitive and we want to win.

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CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL: Wagner vs. Central Connecticut

Wagner’s Cam Gill

WEEK 9: Wagner vs. Central Connecticut

With the calendar turning to November, it was true football weather in Staten Island, as the Collegiate Bowl traveled to Wagner College to see the Seahawks host the Central Connecticut Blue Devils and NEC all-time sack leader Cam Gill. The senior edge rusher didn’t disappoint, as he added two more sacks to his record total (35). Considered to be one of the premier FCS edge rushers, Gill possesses great burst and a quick first step, while demonstrating the strength necessary to warrant looks at the next level.

Another under-the-radar prospect is Seahawks defensive tackle Chris Williams, who doesn’t look 300-plus pounds with his lean frame but packs plenty of punch up front along the defensive line with his ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and track down runners in pursuit. The Brooklyn native would finish with 10 tackles on the day, including two tackles for loss. Wagner defensive line coach Terrence ‘Pot Roast’ Knighton has been working with Williams to diversify his repertoire and brought in Washington Redskins defensive tackle Chris Baker to work with him over the summer.

For Central Connecticut, it would earn the victory due to a stout defense that pitched a shutout in the second half, led by defensive back Tajik Bagley. The All-NEC standout produced a big interception and showed off his return skills with a pair of kick returns that gave the Blue Devils excellent field position. A three-year starter, Bagley will be depended upon to play a key role down the stretch, as the Blue Devils continue to move up the FCS rankings and prepare for another playoff run.

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HUE JACKSON, MARVIN LEWIS NAMED HEAD COACHES FOR 2020 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL

Marvin Lewis, left, and Hue Jackson (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2019

Players who compete in the upcoming NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will have the opportunity to glean from 20 years of NFL head coaching experience.

Just a year removed from their third stint serving on the same NFL staff, Hue Jackson and Marvin Lewis will face off as head coaches for the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The ninth annual game takes place on January 18, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in California and will air live on NFL Network with a kickoff time of 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST.

A Los Angles native, Jackson has built a reputation as a strong offensive mind behind successful coaching stints with the Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders, among others. A handful of NFL players, such as quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, earned Pro Bowl nods under Jackson’s tutelage.

Jackson landed his first NFL head coaching job with the Raiders in 2011 before returning to a Bengals staff led by Lewis. In his final season as offensive coordinator, he was named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015 by the Professional Football Writers Association. Jackson then went on to serve as head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2016 to 2018.

“I’m excited to tackle this unique opportunity of helping mold the next generation of football players at the Collegiate Bowl,” said Jackson, who also spent 13 years as an offensive coach at the college level. “This game is an important step for these young men in learning the game and business of football, and I can’t wait to get started.”

While Lewis’s coaching career has had a similar trajectory, his success was built on the defensive side of the ball. The former Idaho State standout broke into the NFL ranks in 1992 when he was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers to coach their linebackers. In 1996, Lewis was tabbed as defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, building one of the most prolific defensive units in NFL history. His six-year run with the Ravens culminated with a victory in Super Bowl XXXV.

Following one year as assistant head coach of the same Redskins staff that featured Jackson, Lewis took over as head coach of the Bengals in 2003. During his 16 seasons, Lewis led the Bengals to seven playoff appearances and four division titles, earned 2009 AP Coach of the Year honors and set the franchise record for most wins as a head coach with 131.

“My coaching career started at the college level, so it’s always held a special place in my heart” said Lewis, who served as linebackers coach at Idaho State, Long Beach State, New Mexico and Pittsburgh across 11 years. “I’m looking forward to working with some of the country’s best prospects at the Collegiate Bowl and helping prepare them to succeed as professionals.”

For the latest news and updates on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, visit the game’s website at collegiate.nflpa.com and follow @NFLPABowl on Twitter and Instagram.

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CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL: Ohio State vs. Northwestern

Ohio State offensive lineman Jonah Jackson (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

WEEK 8: Ohio State vs. Northwestern

For Ohio State’s offense, starting left-guard Jonah Jackson and company paved the way for a remarkable 279 yards rushing while surrendering only the one Gaziano sack. A grad transfer from Rutgers, Jackson is a versatile interior blocker who has starting experience at both guard positions as well as center. He’s not only versatile but also athletic, climbing to the second level of defenses and picking up blocks on linebackers and safeties.

Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Also on offense, after not recording a reception in the first half of the game, wide receiver Austin Mack hauled in all four of his receptions for 50 yards and the touchdown on the drive, showing savvy as a route runner and strong hands to hold onto the ball.

Defensively for the Buckeyes, linebacker Malik Harrison was all over the field while pacing the team with nine total tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and one QB hurry, showing great range and physicality chasing down ball carriers. Both he and defensive tackle Davon Hamilton make their presences felt versus the run and then have the versatility to also be able to affect the passer.

In the secondary, third-year starting stud corner Damon Arnette seldom surrenders a contested catch while showcasing the short-area quickness and ball skills to make it a no-fly zone his way. The Saint Thomas Aquinas product recorded three tackles on the night while not being tested very often.

Fellow secondary mate Jordan Fuller had another solid game for Ohio State while recording the third-most tackles on the team with five on the night. A three-year starter himself, Fuller is a fluid athlete with good range from the middle of the field along with solid ball skills that he’s continuously put on display. So far in his NCAA career, Fuller has recorded six interceptions and seven pass breakups.

One bright spot for the Wildcats’ defense in the blowout loss was the strong play of senior DE Joe Gaziano, who officially recorded five tackles and one sack while seemingly getting in on many more plays than that. Gaziano is an interesting prospect for NFL teams, as the Scituate, MA native is a physical and productive player who makes plays in both phases of the game while possessing tweener DE/DT size. Pro Day shuttle times, along with the 40-yard dash, will answer some questions as to where to play him at the next level; but one thing’s for sure: Wherever it is, he will outperform expectations.

EXTRA POINT

Down the road in Carbondale, Illinois, I was also able to catch the Southern Illinois/Youngstown State. My primary objective was to get my eyes on stellar safety Jeremy Chinn, who’s been having one heck of a season for the Salukis. Chinn – who was under-recruited coming out of high school – is an impressive athlete with excellent speed, range and physicality as a tackler. What NFL talent evaluators like most about him, however, is the fact that he’s versatile enough to have started games at cornerback and has produced a mesmerizing 11 career interceptions and 28 pass breakups in just 33 games. Against the Penguins on Saturday, he added to his totals while leading the team in tackles (nine) and recording two pass breaks-ups and one bone-crushing hit on the QB.

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CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL: USC vs. Arizona

Southern California wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

WEEK 8: USC vs. Arizona

The Trojans staked their claim as contenders in the Pac-12 with a blowout win over Arizona in front of their hometown Los Angeles crowd. Leading the charge was wide receiver Michael Pittman, who possess ideal size, along with smooth route running and yards after catch ability. There are various elements of finesse and physicality to his overall game, along with the emergence of his red zone effectiveness—Pittman would catch his fifth touchdown of the year in this contest. Coaches have noted an added sense of maturity about Pittman during his senior season, making him a potential day two selection come April.

One of the best kept secrets in college football is Arizona defensive back, Chase Whittaker, who has had success starting at cornerback but has made a seamless transition to safety this season. Blessed with a lean frame and excellent flexibility, Whittaker plays a tremendous centefield, covering plenty of ground and swarms to the football—often times delivering a strong blow. He also demonstrated the vertical game to play above the rim and contested several jump balls. With his versatility, alertness, ball-skills and anticipation, Whittaker will be a great asset for any defensive coordinator to work with.

A pleasant surprise in this game was the play of USC linebacker John Houston Jr., who constantly finished up around the ball and/or making the play. Houston has a lean frame and looks like he could possibly play safety but his ball pursuit, angles, tenacity and participation on multiple special teams units stood out. By the end of the night, JHJ would finish with eight tackles, including two and a half for loss (one and a half sacks) and a fumble recovery.

*Make sure you tune-in to the NFLPA Bowl Big Board Show, each week on iTunes!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-access-football-podcast-network/id283307599

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CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL: Fresno State vs. UNLV

UNLV offensive lineman Justin Polu (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)

WEEK 8: Fresno State vs. UNLV

In Mountain West action, the Fresno State offense provided more fireworks than the Fourth of July with a 56-27 win over UNLV, which was coming off an upset win over Vanderbilt. One player for the Rebels who showed his toughness with stout play at the point of attack and the ability to win the leverage battle in the trenches was offensive lineman Justin Polu. With more than 40 career starts at both right guard and tackle, Polu has proven extremely durable during his time in Las Vegas. The square-framed, powerful run-mauler could become the first UNLV player selected in the NFL Draft since Joe Hawley (Falcons) in 2009.

For the Bulldogs offense, tight end Jared Rice helped pave the way for a big touchdown run, making a clutch block and showing excellent leg drive in his blocking technique. He would also add a 12-yard touchdown reception of his own later on in the game, displaying solid route running and dependable hands.

Looking the part of a Sunday player was Fresno State hybrid edge/linebacker Mykal Walker, who posses a strong, muscular frame and does an excellent job converting his speed to power. In addition to owning an impressive combination of strength and athleticism, he also played on special teams, adding an extra element of value in the eyes of pro evaluators. Walker has started at multiple spots this season, but due to his lateral quickness and versatility, he could best be suited at middle linebacker in the NFL.

*Make sure you tune-in to the NFLPA Bowl Big Board Show, each week on iTunes!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-access-football-podcast-network/id283307599

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CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL: Stanford vs. UCLA

UCLA RB Joshua Kelley (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

WEEK 8: Stanford vs. UCLA

The winds in Palo Alto were a precursor to the gusting defense that UCLA brough into Stanford Stadium in this Pac-12, California rivalry. For the Cardinal, running back Cameron Scarlett did his best to keep the chains moving behind an inexperienced offensive line. While his effort might not show up in the box score, Scarlett impressed scouts with his ability to pick up the blitz and had a nice catch out of the backfield. His multi-faceted skill set will make him an appealing prospect at the next level.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Bruins running back Joshua Kelley ran for a season-high 176 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown scamper. Kelley, who possesses thick, powerful thighs and strong legs, showcased his ability to rip through arm tackles. There were multiple occasions where he would take a tiny opening and bust through the hole for a big play gain. The team captain has also been praised by his coaches for a renowned maturity during his senior season.

On defense, linebacker Krys Barnes made multiple stops, finishing with five tackles on the evening, while demonstrating excellent read and react instincts. His ability to sniff out the run and adapt well to picking up receivers were admirable. In addition, his high motor, aggressiveness and active hands are all positive attributes that will endear him to NFL teams.

*Make sure you tune-in to the NFLPA Bowl Big Board Show, each week on iTunes!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-access-football-podcast-network/id283307599

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2019 Collegiate Bowl NFL Tracker: Week 7

Every week during the NFL regular season, we will track notable performances by NFL players who participated in the Collegiate Bowl. Here are the top performers from week 7:

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CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL: Alabama vs. Texas A&M

Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

WEEK 7: Alabama vs. Texas A&M

For Alabama, it’s not unusual for its top talent to declare for the NFL as underclassmen, so they typically are not heavy with senior players. On offense, tackle Matt Womack is the only senior listed on their two-deep and, despite starting earlier in the season, he served as a back-up versus the Aggies. Womack looks the full part of his listed 6-7, 325-pound frame, and likely could start on many D-1 lines. There have been some intimations out of Coach Nick Saban’s mouth that finishing blocks may be a reason for going with a younger starter over Womack, but our Collegiate Bowl scouts will be sure to follow the developments and track the talented senior’s status.

Defensively, the Tide have some specimens at every level who look like they could line up on Sunday as is. Up front, starting DL Raekwon Davis is a powerful, powerful man with rare length for the position and the ability to consistently get “knock back” upon engaging blockers. While not always showing up with splashy numbers on the stat sheet, Davis is the type of player who possesses scheme diversity to play in any NFL defense and is the rugged type of prospect that DL coaches would love to work with.

Starting at the Tide’s “Jack” position is the team-leader in sacks, Anfernee Jennings. While he starts at the OLB position when the team is in base, Jennings has the versatility to affect the passer as a DE in nickel defense. Jennings possesses solid overall length to complement his power play style – attributes that make him particularly effective setting the edge versus the run and being able to get good push on the pocket versus the pass.

In the secondary, starting cornerback Trevon Diggs is a versatile athlete who leads the team in both interceptions and kickoff return average. Against the Aggies, Alabama amassed an astounding 10 passes defensed, with Diggs recording two while using his long, 6-1 height and 32.5-inch arms well. In a game of inches, Diggs’ physical traits help him match up with big, outside wide receivers.

Behind him at the safety positions are two senior starters in Jared Mayden and Shyheim Carter. For Carter, he is an active player who plays both down near the line of scrimmage as well as over slot receivers, which is partly why his name appears often on the stat sheet. Carter is a leader on this team, graduated in three years, and is interested in getting into coaching when his playing career concludes. For Mayden, he oftentimes is playing as the deep “Post” safety or over the top of one side, where he can utilize his range to either double or single-handedly carry receivers. Another heady player in the secondary, Mayden knows all the DB position responsibilities and is spoken of very highly by this coaching staff.

We previously covered the senior prospects of Texas A&M, but it is worth mentioning that Braden Mann – the highest rated punter entering the year by scouting services – had a particularly impressive day while booming his four punts for nearly 200 air yards and making three tackles (officially credited for two).

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