19 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni Selected in the 2022 NFL Draft
After an impressive 10th anniversary edition of our game in January, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl players made a strong showing in the 2022 NFL Draft. Alumni of this year’s game caught the eyes of pro scouts across the country, as a total of 19 players were drafted through seven rounds and another 79 players were signed as undrafted free agents.
The 19 drafted players is tied for the second-highest mark in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl’s 10-year history. And the 98 total players on NFL rosters ranks second-most and just shy of the 102 players who came from the 2020 class (which was the last time the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl hosted an in-person event).
Below are all of the players who were taken in the 2022 NFL Draft (listed in draft order), followed by players who signed as undrafted free agents (listed alphabetically by last name).
2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni NFL Draft Recap:
Sam Williams (DL, Ole Miss) – Round 2 / Pick 56 / Dallas Cowboys
Highest-ever position for a player who competed in the Collegiate Bowl
Eric Johnson (DL, Missouri State) – Round 5 / Pick 159 / Indianapolis Colts
Montrell Washington (WR. Samford) – Round 5 / Pick 162 / Denver Broncos
DaRon Bland (DB, Fresno State) – Round 5 / Pick 167 / Dallas Cowboys
Sam Womack (DB, Toledo) – Round 5 / Pick 172 / San Francisco 49ers
Marcus McKethan (OL, North Carolina) – Round 5 / Pick 173 / New York Giants
Malcolm Rodriguez (LB, Oklahoma State) – Round 6 / Pick 188 / Detroit Lions
Jordan Jackson (DL, Air Force) – Round 6 / Pick 194 / New Orleans Saints
Gregory Junior (DB, Ouachita Baptist) – Round 6 / Pick 197 / Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Woods II (WR, Oklahoma) – Round 6 / Pick 202 / Cleveland Browns
Doug Kramer (OL, Illinois) – Round 6 / Pick 207 / Chicago Bears
Curtis Brooks (DL, Cincinnati) – Round 6 / Pick 216 / Indianapolis Colts
James Houston IV (DL, Jackson State) – Round 6 / Pick 217 / Detroit Lions
Cameron Goode (LB, Cal) – Round 7 / Pick 224 / Miami Dolphins
Jonathan Ford (DL, Miami) – Round 7 / Pick 234 / Green Bay Packers
Daniel Hardy (DL, Montana State) – Round 7 / Pick 235 / Los Angeles Rams
Chris Oladokun (QB, South Dakota State) – Round 7 / Pick 241 / Pittsburgh Steelers
Brittain Brown (RB, UCLA) – Round 7 / Pick 250 / Las Vegas Raiders
A.J. Arcuri (OL, Michigan State) – Round 7 / Pick 261 / Los Angeles Rams
2022 Undrafted Free Agent Signings:
Austin Allen (TE, Nebraska) – New York Giants
Josh Babicz (TE, North Dakota State) – Carolina Panthers
B.J. Baylor (RB, Oregon State) – Green Bay Packers
D’Anthony Bell (DB, West Florida) – Cleveland Browns
Greg Bell (RB, San Diego State) – Detroit Lions
Markquese Bell (DB, Florida A&M) – Dallas Cowboys
Josh Blackwell (DB, Duke) – Philadelphia Eagles
Max Borghi (RB, Washington State) – Indianapolis Colts
Akial Byers (DL, Missouri) – Green Bay Packers
Mike Caliendo (OL, Western Michigan) – Kansas City Chiefs
Davis Cheek (QB, Elon) – Carolina Panthers
Julius Chestnut (RB, Sacred Heart) – Tennessee Titans
Jack Cochrane (LB, South Dakota) – Kansas City Chiefs
Dai’Jean Dixon (WR, Nicholls State) – New Orleans Saints
Mataeo Durant (RB, Duke) – Pittsburgh Steelers
Jequez Ezzard (WR, Sam Houston State) – Washington Commanders
Olakunle Fatukasi (LB, Rutgers) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Julius Faulk (DB, Delta State) – Cleveland Browns
Chase Garbers (QB, Cal) – Las Vegas Raiders
Ferrod Gardner (LB, Louisiana-Lafayette) – Washington Commanders
Jack Gibbens (LB, Minnesota) – Tennessee Titans
Zyon Gilbert (DB, Florida Atlantic) – New York Giants
Michael Griffin (DB, South Dakota State) – Tennessee Titans
Jake Hansen (LB, Illinois) – Houston Texans
Kolby Harvell-Peel (DB, Oklahoma State) – Houston Texans
Peyton Hendershot (TE, Indiana) – Dallas Cowboys
Clarence Hicks (LB, Texas-San Antonio) – Cincinnati Bengals
Curtis Hodges (TE, Arizona State) – Washington Commanders
CJ Holmes (DB, Jackson State) – New Orleans Saints
Aron Johnson (OL, South Dakota State) – Baltimore Ravens
Brandon Johnson (WR, Central Florida) – Denver Broncos
Deandre Johnson (LB, Miami) – Miami Dolphins
Jahmir Johnson (OL, Texas A&M) – Green Bay Packers
Caleb Jones (OL, Indiana) – Green Bay Packers
Shermari Jones (RB, Coastal Carolina) – Cincinnati Bengals
Kekaula Kaniho (DB, Boise State) – Arizona Cardinals
Cole Kelley (QB, Southeastern Louisiana) – Washington Commanders
Lewis Kidd (OL, Montana State) – New Orleans Saints
Qwuantrezz Knight (DB, UCLA) – San Francisco 49ers
Bryant Koback (RB, Toledo) – Minnesota Vikings
Raheem Layne (DB, Indiana) – Los Angeles Chargers
Taysir Mack (WR, Pittsburgh) – San Francisco 49ers
Tyreek Maddox-Williams (LB, Rutgers) – Los Angeles Chargers
Sean Mahone (DB, West Virginia) – Jacksonville Jaguars
Vavae Malepeai (RB, Southern California) – Denver Broncos
Chauncey Manac (DL, Louisiana-Lafayette) – Green Bay Packers
Zachary McCloud (LB, Miami) – Minnesota Vikings
James McCourt (SPC, Illinois) – Los Angeles Chargers
Lance McCutcheon (WR, Montana State) – Los Angeles Rams
Jalen McKenzie (OL, Southern California) – Tennessee Titans
Zaire Mitchell-Paden (TE, Florida Atlantic) – Cleveland Browns
Damarcus Mitchell (DL, Purdue) – New England Patriots
Grant Morgan (LB, Arkansas) – Jacksonville Jaguars
Arron Mosby (LB, Fresno State) – Carolina Panthers
T.D. Moultry (LB, Auburn) – Pittsburgh Steelers
Segun Olubi (LB, San Diego State) – San Francisco 49ers
Jayden Peevy (DL, Texas A&M) – Tennessee Titans
Roderick Perry (DL, Illinois) – Cleveland Browns
Brandon Peters (QB, Illinois) – Los Angeles Chargers
Kalil Pimpleton (WR, Central Michigan) – Detroit Lions
Isaiah Pryor (LB, Notre Dame) – New Orleans Saints
Joshua Rivas (OL, Kansas State) – New York Giants
Joshua Ross (LB, Michigan) – Baltimore Ravens
Andrew Rupcich (OL, Culver-Stockton) – Tennessee Titans
Braylon Sanders (WR, Ole Miss) – Miami Dolphins
Josh Sills (OL, Oklahoma State) – Philadelphia Eagles
Corey Sutton (WR, Appalachian State) – Detroit Lions
Tre Swilling (DB, Georgia Tech) – Tennessee Titans
Trenton Thompson (DB, San Diego State) – New York Giants
Tariqious Tisdale (DL, Ole Miss) – Cincinnati Bengals
Jake Tonges (TE, Cal) – Chicago Bears
Jordan Tucker (OL, North Carolina) – Pittsburgh Steelers
Zach Vanvalkenburg (DL, Iowa) – Las Vegas Raiders
Isaiah Weston (WR, Northern Iowa) – Cleveland Browns
Benton Whitley (DL, Holy Cross) – Los Angeles Rams
Jarrid Williams (OL, Miami) – Philadelphia Eagles
Eric Wilson (OL, Penn State) – New Orleans Saints
Michael Young (WR, Cincinnati) – Indianapolis Colts
We’re incredibly proud of all our alumni for reaching this moment and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve at the next level.
- Published in Bowl Game
2022 NFL Scouting Combine Testing Results
Below are the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine results for the 23 players that were invited from the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. For the players who participated in the drills, their results are listed, however not every player who was invited participated in every drill.
QUARTERBACK
Cole Kelley
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: N/A
- Broad: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
RUNNING BACK
Greg Bell
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: 31.00”
- Broad: 10’0”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: 17
- Shuttle: N/A
Max Borghi
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: N/A
- Broad: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: 20
- Shuttle: N/A
WIDE RECEIVER
Dai’Jean Dixon
- 40: 4.62
- Vertical: 34.00”
- Broad: 10’5”
- 3-Cone: 7.28
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: 4.42
Braylon Sanders
- 40: 4.48
- Vertical: 34.50”
- Broad: 10’1”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
Isaiah Weston
- 40: 4.42
- Vertical: 40.00”
- Broad: 11’3”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: 20
- Shuttle: N/A
Mike Woods
- 40: 4.55
- Vertical: 34.50”
- Broad: 10’5”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
TIGHT END
Austin Allen
- 40: 4.83
- Vertical: 34.00”
- Broad: 10’1”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: 4.26
Peyton Hendershot
- 40: 4.80
- Vertical: 32.50”
- Broad: 9’9”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: 4.25
Curtis Hodges
- 40: 4.85
- Vertical: 34.50”
- Broad: 9’9”
- 3-Cone: 7.14
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: 4.28
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Andrew Rupcich
- 40: 5.31
- Vertical: 27.50”
- Broad: 9’0”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
Marcus McKethan
- 40: 5.31
- Vertical: 27.50”
- Broad: 9’2”
- 3-Cone: 7.81
- Bench Reps: 27
- Shuttle: 4.99
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Jonathan Ford
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: 29.00”
- Broad: 8’6”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
Jordan Jackson
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: N/A
- Broad: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
Jayden Peevy
- 40: 5.30
- Vertical: 27.00”
- Broad: 8’4”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
LINEBACKER
Jake Hansen
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: N/A
- Broad: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: 21
- Shuttle: N/A
Malcolm Rodriguez
- 40: 4.52
- Vertical: 39.50”
- Broad: 10’0”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
Josh Ross
- 40: 4.79
- Vertical: 31.00”
- Broad: 9’1”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
Sam Williams
- 40: 4.46
- Vertical: 32.50”
- Broad: 10’3”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
Tre Williams
- 40: 5.08
- Vertical: 26.50”
- Broad: 8’8”
- 3-Cone: 7.20
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: 4.24
DEFENSIVE BACK
Markquese Bell
- 40: 4.41
- Vertical: 36.50”
- Broad: 10’3”
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: 4.46
Kolby Harvell-Peel
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: N/A
- Broad: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: 21
- Shuttle: N/A
SPECIALIST
Blake Hayes
- 40: N/A
- Vertical: N/A
- Broad: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
- Bench Reps: N/A
- Shuttle: N/A
- Published in Bowl Game
23 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Players Invited to 2022 NFL Scouting Combine
The talent at this year’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl caught the eye of many NFL scouts and personnel. Now that the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is returning to its traditional format in Indianapolis, 23 players from this year’s NFLPA Bowl have been invited to participate in the event. Below is the list of players, by position, who have received invites. As remaining invites are sent out, we will continue to update the list.
Quarterback:
- Cole Kelley / Southeastern Louisiana
Running Back:
- Greg Bell / San Diego State
- Max Borghi / Washington State
Wide Receiver:
- Dai’Jean Dixon / Nicholls State
- Braylon Sanders / Ole Miss
- Isaiah Weston / Northern Iowa
- Mike Woods / Oklahoma
Tight End:
- Austin Allen / Nebraska
- Peyton Hendershot / Indiana
- Curtis Hodges / Arizona State
Offensive Linemen:
- Andrew Rupcich (OT) / Culver-Stockton
- Marcus McKethan (OG) / North Carolina
Defensive Linemen:
- Jonathan Ford (DT) / Miami
- Jordan Jackson (DE) / Air Force
- Jayden Peevy (DT) / Texas A&M
Linebackers:
- Jake Hansen (OLB) / Illinois
- Malcolm Rodriguez (OLB) / Oklahoma State
- Josh Ross (ILB) / Michigan
- Sam Williams (OLB) / Ole Miss
- Tre Williams (OLB) / Arkansas
Defensive Backs:
- Markquese Bell (SS) / Florida A&M
- Kolby Harvell-Peel (SS) / Oklahoma State
Specialists:
- Blake Hayes (PK) / Illinois
- Published in Bowl Game
2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Recap
For the ninth time in the game’s 10-year history, the National Team topped the American Team, 25-24, in the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 29 at Rose Bowl Stadium.
National Team quarterback Cole Kelley (Southeastern Louisiana) earned MVP honors after completing 12 of his 17 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown.
Click the link below for the official box score.
- Published in Bowl Game
2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Roster
NATIONAL TEAM
First Name | Last Name | Position | School | Number |
JACHAI | BAKER | OT | South Alabama | 74 |
TRAE | BARRY | TE | Boston College | 83 |
BJ | BAYLOR | RB | Oregon State | 5 |
MARKQUESE | BELL | DB | Florida A&M | 34 |
CURTIS | BROOKS | DL | Cincinnati | 92 |
MIKE | CALIENDO | OL | Western Michigan | 61 |
DAVIS | CHEEK | QB | Elon University | |
STEPHEN | CARR | RB | Indiana | 21 |
JULIUS | CHESTNUT | RB | Sacred Heart University | 32 |
MATAEO | DURANT | RB | Duke | |
OBI | EBOH | DB | UCLA | 31 |
OLAKUNLE | FATUKASI | LB | Rutgers | 55 |
JONATHAN | FORD | DL | Miami | 96 |
FERROD | GARDNER | LB | Louisiana-Lafayette | 57 |
CAMERON | GOODE | LB | California | 59 |
MICHAEL | GRIFFIN | DB | Indiana State | 24 |
ZACH | HARDING | SPC | Army | 46 |
KOLBY | HARVELL-PEEL | S | Oklahoma State | 28 |
PEYTON | HENDERSHOT | TE | Indiana | 86 |
CLARENCE | HICKS | LB | Texas-San Antonio | 58 |
CURTIS | HODGES | TE | Arizona State | 87 |
JORDAN | JACKSON | DL | Air Force | 94 |
LEONARD | JOHNSON | DB | Duke | 33 |
JAHMIR | JOHNSON | OL | Texas A&M | 68 |
BRANDON | JOHNSON | WR | Central Florida | 82 |
SHERMARI | JONES | RB | Coastal Carolina | 25 |
GREGORY | JUNIOR | DB | Ouachita Baptist | 27 |
COLE | KELLEY | QB | Southeastern Louisiana | 7 |
BLAKE | KERN | TE | Arkansas | 81 |
TYRONE | KIDD | OL | Montana State University | 66 |
QWUANTREZZ | KNIGHT | DB | UCLA | |
RAHEEM | LAYNE | DB | Indiana | 20 |
TAYSIR | MACK | WR | Pittsburgh | 84 |
ZACHARY | MCCLOUD | LB | Miami | 53 |
LANCE | MCCUTCHEON | WR | Montana State | 89 |
MARCUS | MCKETHAN | OL | North Carolina | 73 |
DAMARCUS | MITCHELL | DL | Purdue | 95 |
GRANT | MORGAN | LB | Arkansas | 51 |
CHRIS | OLADOKUN | QB | South Dakota State | 6 |
OLUWASEGUN | OLUBI | LB | San Diego State University | 56 |
ANTONIO | ORTIZ | SPC | Texas Christian University | 49 |
RODERICK | PERRY | DL | Illinois | 98 |
BRANDON | PETERS | QB | Illinois | 8 |
KALIL | PIMPLETON | WR | Central Michigan | 88 |
JOSHUA | RIVAS | OL | Kansas State | 71 |
JOSHUA | ROSS | LB | Michigan | 52 |
ANDREW | RUPCICH | OL | Culver-Stockton | 77 |
NICK | SCIBA | PK | Wake Forest | 10 |
COREY | SUTTON | WR | Appalachian State | 80 |
TRE | SWILLING | DB | Georgia Tech | 43 |
TRENTON | THOMPSON | DB | San Diego State | 22 |
JORDAN | TUCKER | OL | North Carolina | 75 |
ZACH | VANVALKENBURG | DL | Iowa | 97 |
MONTRELL | WASHINGTON | WR | Samford | 85 |
BENTON | WHITLEY | DL | Holy Cross | 91 |
JARRID | WILLIAMS | OT | University of Miami | 62 |
SAMUEL | WILLIAMS | DL | Mississippi | 90 |
JACK | WOHLABAUGH | OL | Duke | 50 |
SAMUEL | WOMACK | DB | Toledo | |
MICHAEL | WOODS | WO | Oklahoma | 11 |
AMERICAN TEAM
First Name | Last Name | Position | School | Number |
AUSTIN | ALLEN | TE | Nebraska | 45 |
ANTHONY | ARCURI | OT | Michigan State | 74 |
JOSH | BABICZ | TE | North Dakota State | 81 |
D'ANTHONY | BELL | DB | West Florida | 27 |
GREG | BELL | RB | San Diego State | 17 |
JOSHUA | BLACKWELL | DB | Duke | 31 |
DARON | BLAND | DB | Fresno State | 25 |
BRITTAIN | BROWN | RB | UCLA | 21 |
AKIAL | BYERS | DL | Missouri | 90 |
JACK | COCHRANE | LB | South Dakota | 59 |
ZERRICK | COOPER | QB | Jacksonville State | 6 |
MYCHAL | COOPER | WR | Navy | 84 |
DAI'JEAN | DIXON | WR | Nicholls State | 85 |
ISAIAH | EDWARDS | OL | Indiana State | 52 |
GREG | EISWORTH II | DB | Iowa State | 22 |
JEQUEZ | EZZARD | WR | Sam Houston State | 86 |
JULIUS | FAULK | DB | Delta State | 36 |
CHASE | GARBERS | QB | California | 7 |
JOHN | GIBBENS | LB | University of Minnesota | 56 |
ZYON | GILBERT | DB | Florida Atlantic | 24 |
AQEEL | GLASS | QB | Alabama A&M University | 8 |
JAKE | HANSEN | LB | Illinois | |
DANIEL | HARDY | LB | Montana State | 51 |
BLAKE | HAYES | SPC | Illinois | 15 |
CJ | HOLMES | DB | Jackson State University | 23 |
JAMES | HOUSTON IV | DL | Jackson State University | 41 |
DEANDRE | JOHNSON | DE/OLB | University of Miami | 57 |
ARON | JOHNSON | OL | South Dakota State | 71 |
ERIC | JOHNSON | DL | Missouri State | 93 |
CALEB | JONES | OL | Indiana | 77 |
KEKAULA | KANIHO | DB | Boise State | 28 |
CAMERON | KAYE | SPC | Troy | 64 |
BRYANT | KOBACK | RB | Toledo | 34 |
DOUG | KRAMER | OL | Illinois | 63 |
GREG | LONG | OL | Purdue | 69 |
TYREEK | MADDOX- WILLIAMS | LB | Rutgers | 43 |
SEAN | MAHONE | DB | West Virginia | 29 |
VAVAE | MALEPEAI | RB | Southern California | 33 |
CHAUNCEY | MANAC | LB | Louisiana-Lafayette | 58 |
JAMES | MCCOURT | PK | University of Illinois | 19 |
JALEN | MCKENZIE | OL | Southern California | 70 |
ZAIRE | MITCHELL-PADEN | TE | Florida Atlantic | 87 |
ARRON | MOSBY | LB | Fresno State | 53 |
T.D. | MOULTRY | LB | Auburn | 55 |
TANNER | OWEN | OL | Northwest Missouri | 67 |
JAYDEN | PEEVY | DL | Texas A&M | 92 |
ISAIAH | PRYOR | LB | Notre Dame | 26 |
CORY | RAHMAN | S | Tennessee State | 37 |
MALCOLM | RODRIGUEZ | LB | Oklahoma State | 50 |
BRAYLON | SANDERS | WR | Mississippi | 83 |
JOSH | SILLS | OL | Oklahoma State | 72 |
JAMES | SKALSKI | LB | Clemson | |
TARIQIOUS | TISDALE | DL | Mississippi | 99 |
JAKE | TONGES | TE | California | 89 |
ORLANDO | UMANA | OL | Mississippi | 60 |
ISAIAH | WESTON | WR | Northern Iowa | 80 |
TRE | WILLIAMS | DL | Arkansas | 95 |
ERIC | WILSON | OL | Penn State | 68 |
MICHAEL | YOUNG | WR | Cincinnati | 88 |
*Please note that this roster is subject to change and this page will reflect the most up-to-date roster available.
- Published in Bowl Game
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.
- Published in Bowl Game
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.
- Published in Bowl Game
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.
2022 NATIONAL COACHING STAFF | NAME |
Head Coach: | Marvin Lewis |
Offensive Coordinator: | Johnathan Hayes |
Defensive Coordinator: | Rod Woodson (HOF) |
Quarterbacks Coach: | Jeff Blake |
Running Backs Coach: | Patrick Cobbs |
Wide Receivers Coach: | Terrance Mathis |
Wide Receivers Coach: | Derek Hagan |
Tight Ends Coach: | Anthony Becht |
Offensive Line Coach: | Jackie Slater (HOF) |
Offensive Line Coach: | Willie Anderson |
Defensive Line Coach: | Marcus Lewis |
Linebackers Coach: | Vontaze Burfict |
Defensive Backs Coach: | Carnell Lake |
Defensive Backs Coach: | Brock Marion |
Defensive Backs Coach: | Dante Marsh |
Special Teams Coach: | Josh Cribbs |
Specialist/Assistant: | Michael Fletcher |
Offensive Coaching Intern: | Willie Wright |
Defensive Coaching Intern: | Benny Sapp |
Intern: | Andy Rinehart |
GA: | Steven Beard |
2022 AMERICAN COACHING STAFF | NAME |
Head Coach: | Jeff Fisher |
Offensive Coordinator: | Duane Taylor |
Defensive Coordinator: | Wade Phillips |
Quarterbacks Coach: | Seneca Wallace |
Running Backs Coach: | Robert Edwards |
Wide Receivers Coach: | Nate Washington |
Wide Receivers Coach: | Chris Chambers |
Tight Ends Coach: | Brandon Manumaleuna |
Offensive Line Coach: | Eugene Chung |
Offensive Line Coach: | Lance Zeno |
Defensive Line Coach: | Andre Gurode |
Defensive Line Coach: | Aldon Smith |
Linebackers Coach: | Joe Bowden |
Defensive Backs Coach: | Darrin Walls |
Defensive Backs Coach: | Arturo Freeman |
Special Teams Coach: | Keith Burns |
Specialist/Assistant: | Nick Novak |
Offensive Coaching Intern: | Vincent Johnson JR. |
Defensive Coaching Intern: | John Mac |
Active Player Intern: | Chris Rowland |
GA: Ops | Morgan Ford |
- Published in Bowl Game
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.
- Published in Bowl Game
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.
#Baylor DB Jalen Pitre is one of MY GUYS because of his elite athleticism, violence as a blitzer, aggressiveness vs the run and dependability as a tackler.
He plays Safety, Nickel/Star and some OLB and projects best as a “Star” who can blitz plenty. #Texans need a guy like him! pic.twitter.com/OetABqzRcT
— Jordan (@Texans_Thoughts) November 20, 2021
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.
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett is officially on the ballot for the 2021 @HeismanTrophy 🏆
Fan vote for this year’s award will help select the four finalists and winner.
Help @KennyPickett10 get to New York!
VOTE: https://t.co/O1MIAIdyUe#H2P » https://t.co/pY4cQf9C3r pic.twitter.com/ellskNGwjZ
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 29, 2021
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.
What a way to win a conference championship! Chauncey Manac’s forced fumble makes sure the #SunBeltChampionship is headed to Louisiana… #GeauxCajuns | #CollegeFootball
— PFN Draft (@PFNDraft) December 5, 2021
*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!
- Published in Bowl Game