NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Three 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.     

 

Southeastern Louisiana senior signal-caller Cole Kelly continues to work his magic for the Lions with his methodical ways. His latest theatrics came at the mercy of Central Connecticut State, as the 2020 Walter Payton Award Winner threw for 444 yards and four touchdowns in week three. After a tumultuous start to his collegiate career at Arkansas, Kelly has found a rebirth playing back in his hometown state.

“They throw the ball 70 percent of the time, and obviously the quarterback (Cole Kelley) is the guy that makes it go. He’s surrounded by a plethora of skill players that are talented and there don’t seem to be a lot of mistakes on film at least,” said CCSU head coach Ryan McCarthy. “I had a chance to see him down in Arkansas for a few spring practices when he was a true freshman, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a quarterback that big in person. He’s an impressive player, and he’s obviously big, but he can make things happen when things break down. He’s savvy enough to shovel the ball and get to his check downs. He has a really good understanding of where his guys are.”

One of the taller quarterback prospects eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft, Kelly is listed at 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds. Due to his combination of arm strength, scrambling and ability to improvise, he should earn a hard look at the next level.

 


In following his former head coach at Boston College over to Colorado State, running back David Bailey has had a profound impact early on this season, as evidenced once again this past week. The workhorse back wore down the Toledo defense to the tune of 132 rushing yards on 30 carries. One of the more surprising elements of his overall game has been his receiving prowess out of the backfield. In fact, Bailey has made several key catches thus far, totaling 321 all-purpose yards through the first three games, with four touchdowns, including two rushing scores and two receiving touchdowns.

“He’s got pro hands,” Rams head coach Addazio said during his weekly press conference. “He’s a vacuum cleaner. He catches everything.” Similar sentiments were also echoed by Rams offensive coordinator Jon Budmayr. “He’s got elite hands, which you pair that with his speed and he’s actually a really good route runner,” Budmayr said. “He knows how to attack leverages and that part, so you’ve got to find a way to get him the ball. When he’s one of your playmakers and can do that and have that dynamic in the passing game, it adds value to him.” The old adage remains true, that the more you can do, the more valuable you are and Bailey should be viewed as such by the scouting community.

 


The Appalachian State wide receiver corps is one of the most dangerous in the nation. Earlier this season, we discussed Mountaineers playmaker Thomas Hennigan. This week, we examine his counterpart Corey Sutton, who pairs with Hennigan like ‘Starsky and Hutch.’ After a short stint at Kansas State to begin his career, Sutton transferred to Appalachian State where he burst onto the scene, totaling 85 receptions for 1,374 yards during his first two seasons. A knee injury endured during the end of his 2019 campaign, which led to his decision to opt-out of the 2020 season, as he continued his rehab. Now appearing healthy and back at full strength, Sutton has flashed some of his old explosiveness, along with his crisp route running and knack for making plays in traffic.

“I haven’t had a full season except for 2018 here, but it’s 2021 now and I’m a whole different athlete right now,” Sutton explained. “It’s time to go out there and just let everything fall how it’s going to fall.” While scouts will be monitoring his durability, they’ll also be digging into his personal background, as his dad also played for the Mountaineers before getting picked up by the Chicago Bears, while his younger brother Coen, is also currently a wide receiver for the school.

 

Versatile Louisville defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole has been an impact player for the Cardinals since his arrival from Alcorn State and pro scouts have taken notice. The two-time HBCU All-American has showcased a true nose for the ball, with impressive instincts and propensity for the interception.

“He’s done a really good job of just learning what we do and why,” said safeties coach Greg Gasparato. “The safeties are the quarterbacks of this defense. They’re going to make your calls, your split adjustments, your motion adjustments, all that’s on the back end. Understanding who’s in coverage with them, where their leverage needs to be, why they make certain calls in certain situations. That’s what he’s done a really, really good job of since he got here.”

Cole expects to be one of the top-caliber senior prospects due to his ability to play cornerback or safety and size. Plus, he is adept in man coverage against the pass and an effective open-field tackler against the run. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound defender has shown up constantly around the ball, recording 19 tackles through his first three games. Be sure to file his name come April.

 


West Virginia safety Alonzo Addae was up to his usual tricks again this past week, racking up 10 tackles, including a big sack during the Mountaineers’ upset victory over Virginia Tech. The graduate transfer from New Hampshire seems to have a much greater comfort level during his second season in Morgantown.

“I just have a much greater knowledge of this defense,” Addae explained earlier this season. “A lot of the formations, motions […] it was the first time I was seeing a lot of that stuff at game speed last year. Being able to have a year under my belt, I’m more comfortable with the defense and the people who surround me.”

Known to be a ferocious hitter who plays extremely smart, Addae was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL Draft in 2021 but decided to return to school. For the 2022 draft cycle, there’s a very good chance that he could hear his name called by an NFL team, should he continue to play at such a high level.

 

Meet the new FCS record holder for all-time field goals, James Madison kicker Ethan Ratke, who broke the previous mark held by Dan Carpenter of Montana (75) with three successful field goal conversions (44, 40 and 40 yards) during the Dukes win over Weber State. The CAA all-time scoring leader now has an outside chance to break the NCAA Division I record of 96 set by Zane Gonzalez of Arizona State.

“I’m just trying to think about getting through the first kick. And then getting to it as it comes,” Ratke said. “But it’s crazy to even think about. I’m just so fortunate to have gotten to this point in my career.” For his career, the senior is 78-of-91 on field goal attempts and placed a major emphasis on kicking for distance, along with his long ball accuracy, in an attempt to expand his max comfort range of mid-fifty yards. Playing on one of the FCS powerhouse programs such as JMU should benefit Ratke in his exposure to NFL teams, as he attempts to win scouts over with his consistency and ability to handle kickoff duties.

 

*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 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!      

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Two 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. 

 

The pass launched on a prayer by Jacksonville State senior quarterback Zerrick Cooper will be remembered as the greatest play in school history, as the Gamecocks pulled off a stunning upset victory over Florida State with a Hail Mary play! Already on the NFL radar, Cooper showed off some of his alluring arm talent attributes, tossing for 242 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns during the win. “You’ve got to play at a certain level execution-wise in these type games and we did that tonight,” Jacksonville State coach John Grass said. “(Damond) beat his man, Zerrick made a perfect throw, he made a great cut down there and Ahmad (Edwards) made a big block and got him in the end zone.” For Cooper, he also became the all-time passing leader in JMU history, surpassing the previous mark set by Eli Jenkins (7,652). The one-time transfer from Clemson will look to build upon this game to help strengthen his draft stock come April, he is one to watch as the season wears on.


Oregon running back CJ Verdell pulled out the joystick on Ohio State, as the Ducks downed the Buckeyes due to some terrific plays generated by the senior. Verdell answered some of the questions about his long speed, breaking off a 77-yard touchdown scamper to help ice the game, his second via the ground. He would add another score as a pass-catcher and finish with 161 rushing yards, along with 34 receiving yards on the day. While many of the media pundits and Ohio State players seemed surprised, it was expected by Verdell, who could be heard after the game saying, “We expected this.” He would elaborate further during his post-game interview stating, “We saw the Minnesota running back was having a good game, and we wanted to do the same thing,” referring to the Buckeyes previous opponent. Suddenly, Oregon has grandioso aspirations for this college football season and that means the versatile Verdell is sure to receive plenty of additional attention.

No one has benefitted from the new up-tempo offense installed by Boise State offensive coordinator Tim Plough more than playmaker Khalil Shakir. The spectacular senior wide receiver has shredded opponents early on this season, as demonstrated during the Broncos 54-13 win over UAB. The California native made several big plays worthy of SportsCenter, a testament to his incredible athleticism, body control, and concentration. “I don’t know how he made a couple of those catches,” teammate JL Skinner said after the game. “I don’t have an explanation for that. It’s just Shak.” A team captain and son of a football coach, Shakir has lined up at wide receiver, running back, and even wildcat at times. However, his best position at the next level is clearly at wideout and scouts will appreciate his inside/outside prowess. After accumulating over 800 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, the former four-star recruit now has 257 receiving yards through the first two games and could challenge for the school’s single-season receiving mark set by Thomas Sperbeck (1,412).


His first name Bumper originates from his dad’s first love, pool but Arkansas linebacker Bumper Pool could also be called a thumper due to his devastating hits. Arguably the toughest player in college football, opponents are sure to check where Pool is aligned prior to the snap, it’s his presence that makes wide outs leery about going over the middle. The Razorbacks had an encouraging win over Texas thanks to a stellar performance by defense, led by Pool, who sat out the first half after being ejected in week one for a targeting call. He would still manage to finish with 10 tackles, showing up play after play to prevent the Longhorns from moving the chains. “He’s a really tough kid,” linebackers coach Michael Scherer said. “There were times last year when I kind of had to pull him back a little bit, because … he had busted ribs. He missed a game because we had to hold him back because he was banged up so much.” Despite missing parts of the first two games, Pool, who had 195 tackles over the past two seasons in 21 games, now has 24 tackles through his first two games. He comes with pedigree, opting for Arkansas over powerhouse programs such as Alabama and LSU. Look for Pool to hear his name called during the NFL Draft come April as a solid pro prospect.


Break up the Hawkeyes! Iowa improved to 2-0 with another impressive win over Iowa State, on the heels of two momentum-changing interceptions by safety Matt Hankins. Blessed with prototype size, Hankins is an instinctual ball-hawk who reacts quickly and turns into an offensive weapon going the other way with the ball in his hands. He would finish with four tackles and add a pass breakup during the rivalry matchup. “My job out there is to be the player coach,” Hankins said earlier this year. “It’s different hearing it from a coach, but when you hear from one of your own peers, you might take it in a little bit more.” A four-year starter and team captain, Hankins possesses ‘make-it’ traits for the next level and is one of the more under heralded senior prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft.


Not to be outdone by his teammate Matt Hankins, fellow Hawkeyes safety Riley Moss played another stout game, making eight tackles during their win over Iowa State. Moss stepped up nicely filling the gaps against the run. The prior week, he demonstrated his coverage instincts by nabbing a pair of ‘pick-six’ interceptions against Indiana. The early season performance has certainly made scouts make sure they do their homework on the lengthy senior prospect.


*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 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!   

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81 players from 2021 Collegiate Bowl Sign With NFL Rosters

The 2021 NFLPA-U at the Collegiate Bowl produced some amazing players and we are proud to announce that 81 alums have landed NFL club roster spots. At this point, there are 35 participants on 53-man active rosters, 36 participants on practice squads, and 10 participants on other reserve listings.

 

 

Congratulations to all these guys, we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish on their new teams.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 2 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week Two, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella 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: Pittsburgh at Tennessee, Saturday, September 11th, 12:00pm 

A potential shootout in the making, Pittsburgh senior signal-caller Kenny Pickett looks to show off his rifle arm in Knoxville, as they take on Tennessee. Will the cerebral Pickett, who likes to spread the ball around, avoid Tennessee senior Alontae Taylor? The lockdown cornerback continues to build an impressive resume with his blanket-like coverage. This is certain to be one of the more polarizing prospect matchups that pro scouts will be keeping an eye on.

 

Featured Game: Appalachian State at Miami, Saturday, September 11th, 7:00pm 

The Hurricanes look to avenge a week one loss to Alabama, as they host Appalachian State, featuring the dynamic senior duo of quarterback Chase Brice and wide receiver Thomas Hennigan. For the Hurricanes, senior quarterback D’Eriq King looks to rebound and help state his case as a next-level signal-caller. On defense, Miami senior safety Bubba Bolden has been a sponge to his current mentor Ed Reed and is one prospect whose draft stock is on the rise.

 

Featured Game: Missouri at Kentucky, Saturday, September 11th, 7:30pm  

Sliding under the radar is Missouri senior linebacker Blaze Alldredge, who racked up 10.5 tackles, including three and a half sacks in week one. His counterpart Akayleb Evans, a transfer from Tulsa, also got off to a good start, coming up with a big interception. For Kentucky, gamebreaker Josh Ali will attempt to duplicate last week’s magic, as the senior wideout hauled in five balls for 136 receiving yards and a score.

 

Featured Game: Louisiana at Nicholls State, Saturday, September 11th, 7:00pm 

One of the best kept secrets in college football is DaiJean Dixon of Nicholls State, who brings pro size, a big catch radius, and tremendous body control. Look for the senior wide receiver to have a bust-out season. However, he’ll face a daunting opponent in the Rajun Cajuns stellar defense, which features a handful of potential prospects. Senior cornerback Eric Garror and safeties Percy Butler and Bralen Trahan will have plenty of opportunities to impress NFL evaluators.

 

It’s sure to be an exciting season, so check back for frequent updates throughout the season as we update you on which players are rising, sliding, and surprising. Follow us on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest news and announcements!

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week One 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.

 

Western Kentucky senior signal-caller Bailey Zappe made good on his Hilltoppers debut, tossing for 424 passing yards, along with seven touchdowns during their win over UT-Martin in week one. The record-setting transfer quarterback from Houston Baptist played an efficient game, completing 80% of his passes, while connecting with 11 different wide receivers, including five different targets for scores.

“It felt great,” Zappe said of his night. “To be honest, that stuff doesn’t happen without receivers like we have and the offensive front. To be able to come out clean, with no sacks or pressures, is big. . . . It was a great start, great start to the season. I love it, it’s awesome, look forward to doing it more.”

With over 10,000 career passing yards at the FCS level, Zappe continues to try and convert scouts into believers. He has showcased the ability to make all the throws and has tremendous poise in the pocket. The graduate senior has had a prolific collegiate career, as the accolades continue to pile up. The NFL will have no choice but to pay attention.

 

 

UNLV super senior running back Charles Williams turned in a resilient performance in week one, despite a devastating double overtime loss to Eastern Washington. The elusive and explosive runner toted the rock 27 times for 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a fourth quarter score to help tie the game. The wins have been hard to come by during his Rebels career but Williams remained positive after the game stating, “We can’t look at this loss and hang on to it all season. We’ve got 11 more games to go, so we’ve got to focus on those 11 games.”

The Fresno native has now surpassed 3,000 rushing yards for his career and has an excellent opportunity to improve his draft stock next week against a pro-coached Arizona State defense. Keep an eye on this backfield dart who blends spend and power, as he could ultimately land on the NFL Draft radar.

 

 

Appalachian State senior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan reminded NFL scouts of his explosive game-breaker speed with a big performance in a rout over East Carolina, nabbing four balls for 114 receiving yards, including one receiving touchdown and a key 68-yard catch over the middle to help set up another score. A team captain and academic All-American, Hennigan has been known to set the tone.

“I’m going to do whatever I got to do, along with all the other ten guys on the field, to do whatever it takes to win,” Hennigan said. “I’ve always been a ‘lead by example’ kind of guy, so (if I) do the right things on and off the field, naturally I think the younger guys will follow.”

He possesses a muscular-built frame, runs crisp routes, knows how to create separation and can scoot after the catch. With a strong opening week performance in the books and 11 games remaining, Henningan needs 1,003 receiving yards to break the school’s all-time record held by Brian Quick (3,418).

 

 

Playing in his hometown of Charlotte, disruptive Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis seized the moment during the Bulldogs week one win over Clemson. It was a stymied defense, led by the mammoth man in the middle, which constantly kept the Tigers offense in check with constant pressure in the backfield. In fact, Davis absorbed two and three bodies regularly, which resulted in seven sacks on the evening for the Georgia defense, including one himself. His strength and burst off the line of scrimmage is a force to be reckoned with and Davis has finally developed into a three down player.

“He’s elite at pocket push, elite power, one of the strongest kids I’ve ever been around,” stated Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. “He helps you the way he’s able to run games and things because he’s just different. There’s nobody quite like him in terms of the volume and the reps.”

With a rare combination of size and speed, Davis could be first round bound, so long that he keeps his weight in check. Currently listed at 350 pounds, the agile big man has been listed as much as 380 in the past. Otherwise, the former three-star recruit has firmly entrenched himself as one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation.

 

 

No stranger to adversity on or off the field, Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker turned in a valiant effort in week one, producing a game-sealing interception on a clutch fourth and goal play to help guide the Nittany Lions over Wisconsin. Known to be a brilliant football mind who spends countless hours in the film room, Brisker was not surprised by the end result stating, “I knew that they loved No. 84, so I figured I’d favor his side. Once he threw it, I made the play.”

He would finish with four tackles, including one tackle for loss and also had a fumble recovery early in the game that was eventually reversed. The gutsy performance was commendable, as Brisker was subbed in and out throughout the game, while he battled various ailments.

“It’s a testament to who he is as a football player,” teammate PJ Mustipher said. “He battled through injuries and got a pick. That’s just the type of player Brizzy is.”

He made a handful of short-yardage stops on the day and was constantly around the football when he was in the game. Brisker carries on the memory of his late brother Tale’ who was murdered at the age of 19 in Prairie View, Texas with a tattoo on his bicep. His brother would have been proud of this gutsy performance, no doubt. Be on the lookout for this defensive star whose draft stock is ascending.

 

 

Fordham football has had just two players drafted since 1955 (John Skelton in 2010 and Chase Edmonds in 2018) but there could be a third on the horizon. Make sure you store the name Ryan Greenhagen in the memory bank. A silver lining during the Rams 52-7 defeat by Nebraska, Greenhagen played as if he were shot out of a cannon in week one, registering a modern day D-1 record 30 tackles. It was the most tackles by any player against an FBS opponent since the NCAA began keeping records.

“47, he made every tackle. He’s nice for real,” Nebraska running back Markese Stepp was quoted after the game. “30!?Wow. 30 tackles…that’s a lot, he’s a monster, not gonna lie.”

A certified film junkie known for his great work ethic, Greenhagen prepares like a pro, according to the coaching staff. His relentless tenacity, diagnostic ability to read-and-react, in addition to his toughness will offer mass appeal to pro scouts.

“Even I noticed from the sideline he was all over the place,” Fordham head coach Joe Conlin said. “I would be more surprised if it was someone other than Ryan. That’s the kind of player he is. He’s the leader of our defense, a great kid. That’s how he prepares, that’s the way he plays every game.”

While there may be some athletic limitations for the New Jersey native, he clearly possesses the intangibles and size needed to stick at the next level.

 

 

*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 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 1 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week One, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella 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: Alabama at Miami, Saturday, September 4th, 3:30pm  

Two storied programs square off in this week one battle, highlighted by numerous players on the NFL radar, including Hurricanes signal-caller D’Eriq King. The athletic, dual-threat quarterback looks to state his case as a bonafide prospect at the most important position in football. A strong game against the defending champions would certainly help propel his momentum to kick off the season.  However, lockdown cornerback Josh Jobe will be doing his best to keep King in check in what should be a fun game of mental chess.

 

Featured Game: Georgia at Clemson, Saturday, September 4th, 7:30pm 

A whopping 24 players were named to the initial NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch List between these two schools. One key matchup worth monitoring is highly touted Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick, who could find himself assigned to Georgia playmaking wideout Demetris Robertson, two players who are expected to be playing on Sunday. Bulldogs linebacker Adam Anderson is one prospect who could hear his name called on Day One come April.

 

Featured Game: LSU at UCLA, Saturday, September 4th, 8:30pm 

Another great meeting amongst two powerhouse programs to start the season, the Rose Bowl, which is home to the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is sure to be rocking. Tantalizing quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson seemed to be working off some rust during the Bruins week zero rout over Hawaii. He will attempt to take advantage of the heavy contingent of NFL scouts expected to be in attendance for this contest. One player flying under the radar for the Tigers is center Liam Shanahan, who transferred a season ago from UMass and went on to earn the starting job.

 

Featured Game: Fresno State at Oregon, Saturday, September 4th, 2:00pm 

It was an exhilarating victory for Fresno State, as they began the season on a high note by taking care of business with a big win over UConn. The backfield duo of quarterback Jake Haener and running back Ronnie Rivers accounted for a bulk of the Bulldogs’ offensive gains. They now look to prove their worth against a top-ranked Oregon program, which featured nine players on the initial NFLPA Bowl Watch List. In fact, the Ducks boast a dynamic backfield duo in their own right with the running back tandem of CJ Verdell and Travis Dye, both of whom have caught the attention of pro evaluators.

 

It’s sure to be an exciting season, so check back for frequent updates throughout the season as we update you on which players are rising, sliding, and surprising. Follow us on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest news and announcements!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Special Teams

Last but not least, we have our list of featured Big Board players from the special teams’ position. Here are just three of the guys to look out for:

 

Jake Camarda – Georgia – Punter

Since his true freshman season, Bulldogs punter Jake Camarda has shown great promise while developing into one of the nation’s top punting prospects. With touch-to-toe times in the low-to-mid 1.3s and hang times typically in the 4.2s or higher, it’s no wonder why the Norcross, Georgia product was a Ray Guy Award Finalist last season. Also impressive among Camarda’s career production are his 49 punts of 50+ yards with only 23 touchbacks. But what truly stands out to NFLPA Bowl scouts are his 53 career punts inside the 20-yard line – a true testament to the 2020 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year’s control and accuracy with the football.

 

Cameron Dicker – Texas – Placekicker

As a three-year starter for the Longhorns, Cameron Dicker has played in some big games. For a field goal kicker, NFL scouts want to see their ability to convert kicks when the game is on the line or in high-pressure situations, and Dicker has consistently delivered. In 2019, the 2021 Lou Groza Award preseason watch listee converted game-winning kicks against Big 12 rivals Kansas and Kansas State, and kicked a go-ahead 40-yard field goal vs border rival Oklahoma with 10 seconds left to play in the Red River Rivalry. As a kickoff specialist, the Lake Travis, Texas product forces a touchback on north of 69% of his attempts, and in 2020 he even punted eight times in a pinch, showing additional versatility and value for NFL teams to evaluate.

 

Jordan Silver – Arkansas – Long Snapper

As a long snapper, notoriety is not typically what follows. For NFL talent evaluators, consistency among specialists is paramount, especially for snappers who are only called out when they have bad snaps. But Silver has talent for the NFL to see – with easy throws back to the punter that typically time in the high 0.7s to low 0.8s and with good athleticism to get downfield to cover punts. For the past three seasons in the SEC, in fact, the Missouri native has short snapped for field goals/PATs as well as deep snapped for punts, giving him outstanding experience for scouts to judge.

That concludes our list of featured players; check back tomorrow August 27th for the reveal of the entire Big Board.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Secondary

The Big Board is almost full, and today we’re highlighting key defensive backs that we expect to have strong seasons in 2021-22.

 

Montaric Brown – Arkansas – CB

As a 2.5-year starter for Arkansas, cornerback Montaric Brown has played and produced against some of college football’s top competition. Standing at 6-1, 190 pounds and in possession of near 32” arms, Brown has the physical measurables press-man NFL teams covet and then plays with an urgent demeanor as he gets to the football. With his long arms, the “Natural State” native has been productive in his career to the tune of 12 passes defended (including a pair of interceptions) and displays his toughness routinely while showing versus the run. With the speed to carry wide receivers vertically, expect another productive season for this Razorback amid yet another tough slate of opponents.

 

Juanyeh Thomas – Georgia Tech – Saf

For the past three years, safety Juanyeh Thomas has been producing for the Yellow Jackets, initially as a kickoff returner and special teams coverage specialist and then as an imposing last line of defense the past couple of seasons. While typically roaming on the field-side of the formation, the 6-2, 218-pounder owns impressive speed and ability to close on ball carriers, and then the play strength and length to secure his tackle attempts. In fact, over the past two seasons on defense, the Florida native has been extremely productive while racking up 119 tackles, 2 INTs and seven passes defended. With this type of production coupled with his vast special teams experience, NFL teams will be taking a hard look at the soon-to-be three-year starter.

 

Damarcus Fields – Texas Tech – CB

Entering year #5 as a starting cornerback, Taylor, Texas native Damarcus Fields has played a lot of football – and it shows. With excellent field vision and superb ability to both anticipate and relate to routes, the super senior with 43 games played under his belt is frequently seen calling out plays and alerting teammates to what’s to come. Standing 5’-11 ½” and with 31 ¼” arms, Fields has been very productive in his career breaking up passes, leading or coming in second on the team every year he’s played, including leading the Big 12 Conference in 2020 with 11. With the speed to carry receivers vertically and rare experience for the position, draftniks can expect to hear a lot more of Fields’ name leading up to next April.

 

Sterling Weatherford – Miami (OH) – Saf

The Redhawks may only have played three total games last year, but it was plenty for safety Sterling Weatherford to showcase his elite talents. Standing at nearly 6-4 and 220 pounds with 31 ½” arms, the Hoosier State product towers over most defensive backs and takes on blockers and ball carriers alike like a throwback linebacker. More than just a box safety at the next level, Weatherford possesses the range and COD quickness to be effective in deep coverage while utilizing his length and athleticism to match up with tight ends. To boot, the redshirt senior is a legit blitz threat off the edge who flashes the technique to rival any outside linebacker.

 

Come back tomorrow as we feature our final four players ahead of the entire Big Board release on Friday.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Linebackers

The Big Board is filling up every day and this time we’re featuring the linebackers. These are just four of the players that we’re suggesting you take a look at this season:

 

Lakia Henry — Mississippi

A tremendous athlete with plenty of speed and burst, Henry is the quintessential run and chase linebacker. The smoothness of his overall game will draw mass appeal for NFL scouts, as Henry is a flexible athlete who is able to flip his hips and is an effective cover man when dropping back in zone. In fact, Henry brings an unordinary amount of speed to the position, as he can come downhill in a hurry and is dangerous on the blitz. With great range and physicality in coverage, the Vidalia, Georgia product possesses the skills required to be a high-level defender.

 

Merlin Robertson — Arizona State

Four-year Aztec starter Merlin Robertson possesses the size, length, and versatility that many NFL defenses covet. An active linebacker that packs a punch at the point of attack, the California native flashes the ability to rush from the outside, plug rush lanes up the middle, and is more than capable in pass coverage. He is learning from some great mentors playing under Sun Devils defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce and linebackers coach Chris Claiborne on Herm Edwards’ staff; coaches have praised his maturity heading into 2021. In addition, Robertson has been named a candidate for the Polynesian Player of the Year. 

 

Jack Sanborn — Wisconsin

The heart and soul of the Badgers defense, Jack Sanborn is a throwback linebacker. He is a sure-tackler in the open field while his play recognition is off the charts. In the passing game, Sanborn is often used as a blitzer where his physical toughness, feisty passion and good snap-timing shine through. The Deer Park, Illinois native has also shown a propensity to utilize his advantageous ball skills to come up with the occasional interception, totaling four during his career. Sanborn is a highly competitive player, brings a non-stop motor and is often praised for his high character, making him one to watch for this upcoming college football season.

 

Willie Eubanks — Citadel

Looking to build off the momentum of his stellar season a year ago, Eubanks, a fifth-year senior, is poised to keep pro scouts flocking to The Citadel. The FCS standout possesses NFL-level size and plays with a high level of physicality. He can be a thumper against the run and demonstrates tremendous range laterally along with the savvy to defend the pass. Cited by his coaches as an outstanding leader, Eubanks owns experience on special teams, which could be his ticket onto a 53-man roster at the next level.

Take a look back at the featured players who have already been announced as a part of the Big Board before the full release on Friday!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Defensive Line

Defenses have the ability to change the tide of games and there are a number of linemen that consistently make big plays for their teams. These are just four of the guys that are going to lead their squads:

 

Phidarian Mathis – Alabama – DT

When it comes to stuffing the run, few defensive linemen are as impactful as Crimson Tide DT/NT Phidarian Mathis. With exceptional size at 6-4, 320 pounds and length with his 34 1/2” arms, the Louisiana native routinely displays elite ability to stack offensive linemen, create separation to key & diagnose, and then shed to make the tackle. But Mathis is more than just a cog in the middle of the LOS – with rare speed and range for his size, the redshirt senior regularly demonstrates great effort pursuing ball carriers out of the stack, and flashes the ability to be an upfield penetrator with his initial quickness and getoff. Unsuspecting quarterbacks also fall prey to his long wingspan’s ability to affect passes at the LOS — something he successfully accomplished three times in 2020.

 

Chauncey Manac — Louisiana – DE

In the NFL, versatility is key, and Ragin’ Cajun Chauncey Manac has demonstrated for multiple years now his ability to perform a number of roles defensively. After beginning his collegiate career at Georgia, the 6-3, 251-pounder found a home at Louisiana where he has wreaked havoc on Sun Belt opponents while aligning at outside linebacker, defensive end, and even as a stand-up rusher over the guards in sub-packages. One of the best assets of this slippery defender is his ability to play with his near 34” arm length, keeping blockers from getting latched onto his body and providing separation as a rusher to execute a rush move. Coupled with his strength to hold up against the run and it’s no wonder why Manac is squarely in the sites of NFL talent evaluators.

 

Zach VanValkenburg – Iowa – DE

As a first-year transfer in 2019, Zach VanValkenburg flashed for the Hawkeyes some of the ability that got him named 2018 Defensive Lineman of the Year in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. But in 2020 the former Hillsdale College star really ascended while starting every game for Iowa and showcasing his rare motor and stamina. What sets VanValkenburg apart from some other defensive ends is his rush plan along with counter moves primed in the event his initial move is stymied. His variety of moves was on full display against a good Minnesota OL last year when the super senior practically lived in the offensive backfield while recording three sacks, numerous pressures and factoring against the run. And he hardly left the field that day, a testament to his endurance and training, and a nightmare for the Gophers.

 

Jordan Jackson – Air Force – DL

Jordan Jackson is fun to watch. The Jacksonville, Florida native is a versatile defensive lineman with excellent size and length who goes 100 mph every snap. Prior to sitting out the 2020 season, Jackson recorded a whopping 17 career tackles for loss and eight sacks – a testament to his initial quickness, instincts, physicality, and non-stop motor. In the Falcons’ rivalry games versus fellow service academies in 2019, Jackson was at his best while recording a season-high eight tackles against Navy and then besting that feat with a nine-tackle performance versus Army, adding a sack in both games.

 

Just a few more days to go until the release of the full Big Board!

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