2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL CLASS ANNOUNCED

The NFL Players Association is excited to announce the class of participants for its 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl experience.

More than 135 of the top seniors in college football are slated to take part in “NFLPA U,” a one-of-a-kind virtual experience on January 13-14 that will continue the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl’s tradition of equipping prospects for the next level. While this year’s on-field showcase portion was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, “NFLPA U” serves as an extension of the nightly workshop provided during our annual week of programming, when active and former NFL players help educate participants on the business of football.

“Because the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has always been more than just a game, we are excited to be able to present this innovative, virtual experience to our 10th class of prospects,” said NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director Teri Smith. “NFLPA U provides a unique opportunity for this year’s participants to engage with some of our game’s brightest stars while also enlightening them about everything that comes with being a professional football player.”

Click here to view the full roster of college seniors participating in the 10th anniversary edition of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Please note: participants are subject to change.

The first evening of “NFLPA U” will feature former NFL general manager John Dorsey sharing his perspective on the draft process, what management looks for when evaluating prospects and much more. A collection of NFL stars, including Cam Jordan, Adrian Peterson, Deion Sanders, Mike Singletary, Steve Smith Sr. and Michael Vick, will also join Wednesday’s session of “X’s and O’s With The Pros.” Participants will be grouped by position and sent to a virtual huddle room featuring both an active player and NFL legend, who will share valuable wisdom about what it takes to succeed at the pro level.

On the second evening, a panel of top athletes from various sports, including All-Pro running back Todd Gurley and WNBA star Candace Parker, will engage in an unfiltered discussion about important topics, such as leveraging your brand, social justice, using your platform for good and more.

The two days will be emceed by ESPN college football host, reporter and analyst Maria Taylor as well as Super Bowl champion and ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark, respectively.

Fanatics and Electronic Arts serve as the sponsors for this year’s event.

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2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Primer

Central Arkansas defensive back Robert Rochell (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The first of the ‘Big Three’ all-star games gets underway this week, as we at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will kick off our virtual NFLPA U experience on Wednesday! Players chosen for the 10th annual experience will receive recognition for being identified as a top prospect by the NFLPA Bowl scouting department, in addition to the NFL Players Association providing an virtual educational program that helps players transition to the pros.

Several key speakers will be part of the two-day event, which will be hosted by ESPN’s Maria Taylor and Ryan Clark. Former NFL GM John Dorsey will share perspective on what management looks for and expects from players. Also, NFL legends such as Michael Vick, Terrell Davis, Brian Dawkins and Deion Sanders, along with active stars like Cameron Jordan, Jaylon Smith and Todd Gurley, will provide unfiltered wisdom to the participants about the business of football along with the resources available through the NFLPA.

As the union for the players and by the players, we at the NFLPA are excited to prepare prospects for the next level and introduce these future members to their union!

In anticipation of that, we highlight some notable prospects who have accepted their invitation to the 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl:

Zac Thomas, QB, Appalachian State
Appalachian State signal-caller Zac Thomas is viewed as one of the premier senior quarterback prospects for the 2021 draft class. A three-year starter, Thomas finished his Mountaineers career with nearly 7,000 passing yards and 69 touchdowns, to just 23 interceptions, while completing 63% of his passes. Thomas helped establish a winning culture for the football program, while providing great leadership and demonstrating excellent maturity. His cerebral awareness and knowledge of the playbook are through the roof, which equates to a strong foundation for him to build off as he pursues an NFL career. Thomas should have a lot of appeal on Day Three of the NFL Draft to organizations looking to develop a quality backup quarterback.

Chris Evans, RB, Michigan
A four-star recruit coming out of high school, Michigan running back Chris Evans didn’t quite live up to the hype; but there is no denying the exceptional athleticism and overall talent he possesses. Evans is an elusive open-field runner, able to make defenders miss and pick up yards after contact. He has also proven to be an adequate pass-catcher out of the backfield and while he was limited to just 25 touches (160 yards) for the Wolverines this past season as a senior, his skillset should warrant him a look as a priority free agent and potential third-down back at the next level.

Foster Sarell, OL, Stanford
Stanford offensive lineman Foster Sarell is coming off a stellar senior campaign for The Cardinal, helping them get back to their winning ways in 2020. Sarell was dominant at times this past season manning the right tackle position and finishes his Stanford career starting 17 of 18 games at right tackle, including 15 consecutive starts to finish. His technique, fundamentals, strength and smarts more than compensate for any athletic shortcomings. In fact, there is buzz among NFL circles that Sarell could in fact be selected ahead of his more highly publicized teammate Walker Little, once considered to be a first-round prospect prior to injuries. While Sarell is currently flying under the radar among the mainstream media, NFL front offices are well aware of his potential. Don’t be surprised to see him go on to a long, successful NFL career as a starter.

Tavante Beckett, LB, Marshall
Marshall linebacker Tavante Beckett is no stranger to adversity after transferring from Virginia Tech to Marshall to finish up his collegiate career. He did so with a bang, earning Conference USA 2020 Defensive Player of the Year honors while racking up 90 tackles (7.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in nine games played. While he may be viewed a bit undersized to man the linebacker position at the next level, Beckett has experience playing at safety and in the nickel. His versatility and instincts bode well for his next level aspirations, and he loves to lay the lumber when presented with the opportunity. Look for Beckett to receive every opportunity to earn his way onto a 53-man roster as a late-round selection/priority free agent. Special teams will be his ticket in.

Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
Central Arkansas was in action early and often during the college football season, an impressive feat for an FCS program during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest beneficiaries was senior cornerback prospect Robert Rochell, who created a bit of a buzz for himself with his electric speed, nose for the football and excitement generated with the ball in his hands going the other way. The Shreveport, Louisiana native was constantly around the football, finishing with 27 tackles, creating a forced fumble and scooping up another for a 35-yard return. His résumé includes 10 interceptions and nearly 40 pass breakups during his 38-game Bears career. Blessed with prototypical height and premier speed, Rochell stands a very strong chance to be one of the few small school prospects to hear his name called during draft weekend.


*Tune-in every Thursday to ‘The State of Football’ for the latest NFLPA Collegiate Bowl buzz, featuring director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat at @NFLDraftBible!

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 17: Trey Sermon, Dazz Newsome, Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, Calvin Bundage, Kyle Poland

North Carolina wide receiver Dazz Newsome (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on.   

Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State
One can only marvel with excitement after watching the performances put on by Ohio State senior running back Trey Sermon over the past three weeks, with the exclamation point coming in a Sugar Bowl win against Clemson this past weekend. Sermon was up to his usual tricks, rushing for 193 yards and catching an additional four passes for 61 yards. The previous week, he ran for a school-record 331 yards and a pair of scores in a win over Northwestern during the Big Ten Championship game. On the season, Sermon is averaging seven and a half yards per carry with 868 rushing yards, including 636 rushing yards coming in the past three games! The transfer from Oklahoma had shown flashes of his big-play burst and explosion during his time with the Sooners. Now, Sermon has done it frequently on the biggest of stages during his time in Columbus. Another sensational showing in the College Football National Championship could help cement Sermon as a solid Day Two prospect.

Dazz Newsome, WR, North Carolina
Credit to North Carolina senior wideout Dazz Newsome, who expressed his desire to settle unfinished business by participating in the Orange Bowl, while many of his heralded teammates sat this one out and turned their attention to the upcoming NFL Draft. Newsome delivered with another notable performance, making six receptions for 68 receiving yards and one dazzling touchdown catch. The Hampton, Virginia product has been one of the more reliable performers in the ACC over the past several seasons due to his yard-after-catch ability, as he is tough to close on in open space. Newsome projects as a slot receiver at the next level with his stature, but he plays much bigger than his size indicates and will serve as a great presence inside the facility, as he has been praised for his competitiveness and leadership. In 43 career games with the Tar Heels, Newsome finished with 3,292 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns, including an impressive 11.1 punt return average. Expect this talented playmaker to hear his name called somewhere during the middle of the draft come April.

Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, WR, Northwestern
Northwestern senior wide receiver Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman began the season as barely a blip on the NFL radar, but his strong play in 2020 has caught the attention from pro scouts as he finished the year with a bang. Chiaokhiao-Bowman saved his best for last, making several clutch catches in the Citrus Bowl, including a touchdown, to help give the Wildcats a win over Auburn. He nabbed eight balls for a career-high 103 receiving yards the previous week versus Ohio State during the Big Ten Championship. The lengthy, agile pass-catcher has demonstrated great run-after-catch ability and has become one of the top red-zone weapons on the team. The Minneapolis native, who also duals as the residential “team barber” and is known to “bring the juice” according to the coaching staff, is a noted hard-worker who had a prolific high school career but emerged as a late bloomer during his time at Evanston. With his size, speed and quickness, he has now done enough to be considered a priority free agent following the draft.

Calvin Bundage, LB, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State employed one of the better defenses during the Mike Gundy era this past season. One of the key cogs has been senior linebacker Calvin Bundage, a three-year starter who bounced back from a season-ending injury a year ago and finished his career off in a big way. Bundage collected a pair of tackles and a half sack in the Cowboys’ victory in the Cheez-It Bowl. Following the game, he annonced his intent to turn pro. Bundage fits the athletic profile of a more modern-day linebacker who can do a little bit of everything. He led the team with seven sacks this season, including 3.5 over the final four games. While his snaps were a bit more reduced than he was previously accustomed to earlier in his career, Bundage made the most of his opportunities as he returned to form and put to rest any questions about his ability to play at a high level coming off injury. He stands a chance to hear his name called late in the draft; if not, he is sure to be in high demand as a priority free agent.

Kyle Poland, LS, West Virginia
West Virginia has become a hotbed for long snappers of late, as senior Kyle Poland is the latest Mountaineers player at the position to garner NFL attention. At 6-2 and 240 pounds, Poland possesses the ideal size, in addition to being one of the most consistent snappers in all of college football this past season. His experience includes playing center during high school, which shows up on film as he demonstrates excellent blocking technique. Poland was named a team captain on two occasions this past year, a testament to his leadership. He credits his development to his predecessors 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participant Rex Sunahara, currently a member of the Miami Dolphins, and Nick Meadows, who dabbled briefly with a pro career prior to Sunahara. The Morgantown, West Virginia product now looks to follow in those footsteps with an invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the possibility of suiting up on Sundays becoming a distinct possibility.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible!  

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 16: Brady White, Greg McCrae, Calvin Turner, Zac Lefebvre, Divine Deablo

Memphis quarterback Brady White (Photo by Gary Landers)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on.  

Brady White, QB, Memphis
After recently announcing his entry into the upcoming NFL Draft, Memphis senior signal-caller Brady White will go out a winner after another effective performance during the Tigers’ win over FAU in the Montgomery Bowl. White completed 22-of-34 pass attempts for 284 passing yards and three touchdowns, raising his touchdown-to-interception ratio to 31:10 on the season. In fact, the California native accounted for 90 touchdown passes and just 30 interceptions during his past three seasons in Memphis, after spending his first two years at Arizona State. White shows nice touch and anticipation, along with smart decision-making. In what appears to be a thin year for quarterbacks, the soon-to-be 25-year old could offer appeal as a late round developmental selection.

Greg McCrae, RB, Central Florida
An under-heralded prospect amongst the group of senior running backs, Greg McCrae of UCF has been a steady, consistent contributor over the past several seasons, splitting carries in an often crowded backfield. He finishes his Black Knights career with nearly 3,000 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns in 43 games, including 856 total yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. McCrae had seven career games in which he exceeded the 100-yard rushing barrier and his 6.55 career rushing average is an all-time school record. His 12 special teams tackles (eight in 10 games as a freshman) is also notable. The Miami native demonstrates elusiveness in the open field and the ability to make defenders miss. In addition, his special teams experience could justify McCrae being a strong candidate to end up in an NFL camp.

Calvin Turner, RB/WR, Hawaii
A modern-day renaissance man, Hawaii all-purpose weapon Calvin Turner has grabbed the attention of NFL scouts down the home stretch of his 2020 campaign. His 92-yard punt return to bust open the New Mexico Bowl was icing on the cake of his best performance yet, racking up 252 total yards (88 receiving, 60 rushing) and a pair of touchdowns. The JUCO transfer spent his first three seasons at Jacksonville University, playing quarterback and defensive back. Once he transferred to Hawaii, Turner converted into a jackknife, playing an array of roles as a runner, receiver, return man and occasional trick-play quarterback. No longer the best-kept secret in college football, Turner was a three-sport legend in Savannah, Georgia at New Hempstead High School, excelling in football, basketball and track. Don’t be surprised if you hear his name called at some point during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Zac Lefebvre, TE, Buffalo
All guts and no glory, Buffalo tight end Zac Lefebvre has quietly played himself onto the NFL radar due to his blocking prowess. Often used as an inline blocker or H-back, Lefebvre played a key role in the Bulls’ offense, rushing for more than 2,000 yards in just seven games this season. His hand placement, wide base and sound technique are areas of his game that stand out, as the two-year starter also possesses prototype size at 6-5, 250 pounds. An adequate pass-catcher, Lefebrve runs solid routes and demonstrates soft hands, as evidenced with several flashes during his collegiate career. While he isn’t likely to be heavily depended upon in that department, Lefebvre did manage to finish with 49 catches for 539 receiving yards and four touchdowns over the past four seasons. As one of the more polished blocking tight end prospects in this year’s draft, Lefebvre projects as a priority free agent.

Divine Deablo, S, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech fifth-year senior safety Divine Deablo announced his intent to enter the 2021 NFL Draft. A physical, athletic defender, Deablo is a sure tackler in the open field who shows excellent instincts and has been highly productive during his Hokies career. The Winston-Salem native finished his collegiate career with 206 total tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss and six career interceptions. A former wide receiver, Deablo converted to the defensive secondary after his freshman season. He is projected to test exceptionally well; at 6-2 and nearly 230 pounds, some teams could even view Deablo as a linebacker at the next level. His appeal as a special teams player early on in his career should make him a candidate to hear his name called on the early portion of Day Three of the draft.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible! 

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 15: Rhamondre Stevenson, Dedrick Mills, Derrick Deese Jr., Isaiah McDuffie, Antjuan Simmons  

Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on.  

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
Oklahoma senior running back Rhamondre Stevenson turned in another strong performance during the Sooners’ win over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship. The bruising back finished with 97 rushing yards on 18 carries and chipped in an additional 36 receiving yards in what could possibly be his final game for the Crimson and Crème. A downhill runner, Stevenson weighs in at 240-plus pounds, can break off big chunks of yardage with his jump-cut ability and packs a powerful stiff arm. He’s also a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, honing his overall skill-set this past season under Sooners running back coach DeMarco Murray. The Las Vegas native is no stranger to adversity, as he began his collegiate career at Cerritos College CC, which included a 2,111 rushing yard campaign as a sophomore. During his time at JUCO, he slept in the family garage apartment of a teammate and paid rent when he could by working a part-time job. While he is one of the bigger backs eligible for the 2021 NFL Draft, Stevenson also owns one of the more intriguing paths to the pros.

Dedrick Mills, RB, Nebraska
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills wanted to leave something for scouts to think about in the Cornhuskers’ season finale win over Rutgers. The senior went off for a career-high 191 rushing yards on 25 carries (his previous career high was 188 yards against Wisconsin in 2019). Mills began his career at Georgia Tech, rushing for 771 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman, before spending a season at Garden City CC (1,358 rush yards and 19 touchdowns). In 11 games at Nebraska, Mills has accumulated 1,141 yards and 13 touchdowns in 18 games; this despite battling through a knee injury for most of this season, causing him to miss three games. His production or toughness has never been a question. However, his opportunities have been limited and Mills will need to show that he can prove durable. If he can do so, his multi-use as a runner, receiver and blocker could have some appeal at the next level.

Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State
The San Jose State Spartans have enjoyed an undefeated season (7-0), including their most recent victory over Boise State in the Mountain West Championship. While there have been several standouts on this team who have caught the attention of NFL scouts, one prospect who has flown under the radar is tight end Derrick Deese Jr., the son of Super Bowl Champion Derrick Deese Sr. (49ers). The Spartans pass-catcher saved his best for last, reeling in seven receptions for 76 receiving yards (matching his season-high), while adding his fourth touchdown of the season against the Broncos. Deese Jr. began his career at Golden West CC, where he was highly productive and immediately earned a starting job at San Jose State when he transferred as a junior. With his combination of length, athleticism and bloodlines, it would not be surprising to see an NFL team bring him into training camp for a look-see.

Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College
Boston College senior linebacker Isaiah McDuffie has confirmed his decision to enter the 2021 NFL Draft. McDuffie bounced back from a season-ending knee injury he endured in 2019 to lead the Eagles with 107 tackles in 2020, including seven contests in which he registered double-digit tackles (career-high 16 tackles versus Notre Dame). The emotional leader of the defense earned his stripes on special teams as a freshman before taking over starting linebacker duties as a sophomore. McDuffie has been known to lay the lumber with some of his devastating hits and likes to wear his emotion on his sleeves. He chose Boston College over several other major programs, including Penn State, and coaches rave about his positive influence inside the locker room. His decision comes on the cusp of receiving his degree in applied psychology and human development in December.

Antjuan Simmons, LB, Michigan State
Michigan State leader and team captain Antjuan Simmons has officially declared his intent for the upcoming draft after a stellar season in East Lansing. Simmons was in the middle of the new 4-2 5 defensive scheme implemented by head coach Mel Tucker this season. He led Michigan State with 75 tackles, to go with one sack, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and two quarterback hurries in seven games. Overall, the senior from Ann Arbor finished his Spartans career with a total of 230 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception. His best game came in their win over Michigan, as he made several key plays. The Spartans have had at least one player selected in 80 straight NFL drafts, the third-longest streak in the nation. Simmons will look to keep that streak alive.


*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible! 

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 14: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jack Anderson, David Curry, Chris Brown, Adam Korsak

Texas’ Chris Brown (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. 

Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa
Coming into the season, many scouts anticipated a big campaign out of Iowa wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette. The senior finally delivered with a much-needed, bust-out game this past weekend, collecting seven receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns during the Hawkeyes victory over Wisconsin. A world-class sprinter in high school, the Newark, New Jersey native flashes exceptional burst and explosion after the catch. While his deep speed and athleticism are two traits that stand out, Smith-Marsette also possesses tremendous versatility, as he has four rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. In addition, he has averaged nearly 30 yards per kick return for his career, including two returns for touchdown. While Smith-Marsette didn’t quite stuff the stat sheet this season, his skill-set will be held in high regard among NFL front offices.

Jack Anderson, OL, Texas Tech
One road-grater sure to be paving lanes on Sundays is Texas Tech senior offensive guard Jack Anderson, who elected to opt out of the Red Raiders final two games in order to prepare for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. A four-year starter, Anderson finished the season on a high note, playing a key role in helping guide the Texas Tech offense with over 200 rushing yards in consecutive games for the first time since 2015. The Frisco, Texas native is considered one of the highest rated recruits in school history and his presence was felt from the first day he stepped onto the Lubbock campus. He finishes his career with 38 games played and projects as a mid-late round draft candidate.

David Curry, LB, Georgia Tech
While he may not be the flashiest player, Georgia Tech linebacker David Curry is certainly a well-rounded, fundamentally sound prospect with strong NFL bloodlines. The senior has heated up down the stretch of the season with his third consecutive game of double-digit tackles (48 tackles in his past three games). It’s impressive the way Curry fights his way through the trash and sniffs out the ball-carrier with his swarming mentality. He has also shown great toughness, battling through a handful of ailments throughout his career and playing through a thumb injury for much of last season. His father, Buddy, was an All-Pro linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons and David possesses all the tools in the shed to go onto the NFL and make his own mark.

Chris Brown, S, Texas
Despite the Texas Longhorns being bowl eligible, senior safety Chris Brown has opted to move on to the next stage of his career and prepare for the pros. A fierce competitor known for his clutch plays, Brown made a name for himself early on in his career on special teams before emerging as a starter last season. The Longhorns team captain finished his career with 107 tackles (92 solo), six tackles for loss, one sack and an interception; and, he led the team with seven pass breakups in 2020. Known for his signature celebration “flex,” Brown will now turn his attention toward muscling his way onto an NFL roster.

Adam Korsak, P, Rutgers
It’s no secret that Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano places a heavy emphasis on special teams, as the Scarlet Knights have traditionally had some of the best units in the nation under his regime in Piscataway. However, he has never had a punter quite like Adam Korsak, who amazingly is not one of the semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award. The Melbourne native grew up playing Australian rules football and began punting at the age of five. His distance, along with pinpoint accuracy and rollout kicking style, makes it extremely difficult for opponents to accomplish returns. He had over 400 yards on nine punts (44.7 average) this past week during Rutgers 27-24 overtime win against Maryland. The previous week versus Penn State, Korsak pinned down five punts inside the opponents 20-yard line, something he does on the regular. A secret weapon and under the radar prospect, Korsak has the makings of a longtime pro.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible!

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 13: Javon McKinley, Aaron Hansford, Rico Bussey, Dwayne Johnson Jr., Olakunle Fatukasi

San Diego State safety Dwayne Johnson Jr. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects who we are keeping an eye on. 

Javon McKinley, WR, Notre Dame
On Saturday against Syracuse, fifth-year wide receiver Javon McKinley found the end zone, not just for the first time this season but for the first three times, en route to his fifth-consecutive game with five-plus receptions, hauling in seven catches for 111 yards. The Southern California native – who was a highly acclaimed recruit coming out of Centennial High School – is having the most productive season of his career, recording four 100-yard games this season (Chase Claypool, for context, had three such outings last year for the Irish). With prototypical X-receiver size, McKinley has routinely displayed an ability to play big-boy football this year while coming down with a disproportionate amount of 50/50 balls. In addition to being a reliable target in the pass game, the 6-2, 215 pounder is one of the top blocking receivers in this year’s draft class, something that NFL coaches pay close attention to.

Aaron Hansford, LB, Texas A&M
To say that Texas A&M linebacker Aaron Hansford is fast would be an understatement. A member of his high school’s track team and the son of two track athletes, Hansford initially went to the Aggies as a wide receiver before making the transition to tight end. After two seasons derailed by injury, the Washington, D.C. product made the switch to defense and has been lighting up opposing offenses ever since. Saturday versus Auburn, Hansford lived in the backfield while recording a team-leading eight total tackles, including 1.5 for loss and one sack. With the Aggies on a six-game winning streak, look for Hansford’s stock to continue to soar as he becomes all the more comfortable in his role and utilizes his speed to menace the opposition.

Rico Bussey, WR, Hawaii
For the first time this season, wide receiver Rico Bussey found the endzone for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in their Week 13 loss to San Jose State. Though the outcome for the team was disappointing, Bussey continues to show glimpses of what made him such a prolific receiver during his prior stint at North Texas, leading the Warriors on Saturday with eight receptions for 69 yards. At 6-2, 190 pounds, the Lawton, OK native is a true vertical threat with outstanding speed and ball skills who made a living in 2018 to the tune of 12 receiving touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards receiving. A knee injury cut short his 2019 campaign after five games but Bussey is remaining busy this year while looking to add to his touchdown total in the season finale vs UNLV.

Dwayne Johnson Jr., S, San Diego State
We highlighted San Diego State safety Dwayne Johnson Jr. in the fall when the Mountain West announced its return to play, and the hard-hitting, fifth-year senior has demonstrated why with his performance this season. This past week against Colorado State, the “Aztec” safety in SDSU’s 3-3-5 defense made his presence felt while recording six tackles and a quarterback hurry. Despite missing one game this season, the local Southern California product ranks second on the team in tackles (36) and pass breakups (3), but it’s his relentless pursuit of the football and omnipresent nature that make him so valuable as a football player. Built like a hybrid linebacker/safety, the 6-2, 215-pound Johnson is not shy coming downhill versus the run and is a physical force in the secondary that receivers need to know about when dropping into pass coverage. With a skillset that screams special teams captain for the next level, don’t be surprised if your favorite NFL team calls his name on Day 3 of the draft!

Olakunle Fatukasi, LB, Rutgers
Rutgers hasn’t had many primetime games this season, so it’s understandable if you’ve never heard of linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi. If you have watched a Scarlet Knights’ game, however, there’s no excuse. The second-year starting weakside linebacker is the leading tackler in the Big Ten Conference and on Saturday against Penn State, he had just another strong day at the office – 17 tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup, giving him a remarkable 92 tackles (10 for a loss) through just seven games. At his present rate, Fatukasi is on pace to challenge the prestigious conference’s all-time tackle mark and is a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best linebacker. With a frame built for speed and a reckless desire to run through ball carriers, the younger brother of Jets starting defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi is an ascending player everyone will soon know about.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 12: Larry Rountree, Jacob Harris, Quintin Morris, Chauncey Golston, Kuony Deng

Missouri running back Larry Rountree III (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on.

Larry Rountree, RB, Missouri
It has been an incredible season for Missouri senior running back Larry Rountree, who had his best performance of the year thus far in rushing for 160 yards and three touchdowns against Vanderbilt. The previous week, Rountree set the school’s all-time rushing record by a running back (3,398 rushing yards and counting). The team captain wore down the Commodores defense with his trademark hard-nosed running style, breaking tackles and ripping off several big runs; he now has 18 runs of 25+ yards for his career. Rountree possesses a well-built frame and owns a proven resume, having accumulated 12 career 100-yard rushing performances, while playing in the SEC. He has done enough to warrant a mid-round draft grade.

Jacob Harris, WR, Central Florida
One player who has shown just enough flashes to remain a blip on the NFL radar is UCF wideout Jacob Harris. The senior playmaker has been playing in the shadows of some very talented receivers over the past few seasons but tends to deliver in the clutch with some big splash plays of his own. He is averaging more than 20 yards per reception for his career since transferring from Western Kentucky. This past week, Harris put on a career performance with five catches for 110 yards and three touchdowns. Earlier this season, he enjoyed a stretch where he scored in four consecutive games. Harris is extremely long and athletic, along with a frame that could eventually see him convert to tight end in the pros, much like Jacob Hollister of the Seahawks.

Quintin Morris, TE, Bowling Green
While Bowling Green has endured a winless season, the steady performance by tight end pass-catcher Quintin Morris has not been lost on NFL scouts. He has been the focal point of the Falcons offense and has 10 catches for 130 yards over the past two games. A three-year starter, Morris has established himself as an athletic, reliable target with 1,448 career receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. The Texas native has been utilized at both tight end and wide out spots, as he could have a role as an h-back type at the next level. Morris was also a basketball standout in high school, which contributes to his vertical game inside the red zone and makes for zest appeal as he transitions to the pros.

Chauncey Golston, DL, Iowa
Iowa senior defensive lineman Chauncey Golston is playing at a very high level, collecting at least four tackles in each of his past five games, with four sacks, one interception and a big bone-crushing hit that forced a fumble to help seal the deal on the Hawkeyes win over Nebraska this past week. The Detroit native does an outstanding job setting the edge with his length and physicality. Surprisingly, he was not heavily recruited coming out of high school, with Iowa being the lone FBS scholarship offer he received. However, Golston has been a steady, consistent performer as a three-year starter during his time in Iowa City. He owns some position flexibility, playing primarily at defensive end but could project as an interior player at the next level.

Kuony Deng, LB, California
California senior linebacker Kuony Deng continues to rack up tackles due to his bee-swarm mentality. Deng registered 14 tackles this past week against Stanford, flashing a lethal combination of size, range and athleticism. In addition, he tends to get his hands on a lot of batted balls. The Virginia native, whose family immigrated from South Sudan, began his career at Virginia Military Institute, where he played both football and basketball. He would then spend a season at Independence CC, before finding his way in Berkley. After registering 120 tackles a year ago, Deng is off to another hot start that has not gone unnoticed by NFL scouts. Look for him to gain serious momentum, as we work our way through the draft season.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible!

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alum Kendall Hinton Answers Call at QB For Broncos

Denver’s Kendall Hinton became the first non-quarterback to start at the position since 1965. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

After successfully switching from quarterback to wide receiver during his senior season at Wake Forest, Kendall Hinton thought he was done playing under center — and he was OK with that.

But in 2020, all bets are off.

When the Denver Broncos had all four of their quarterbacks placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in a matter of hours on Saturday evening, Hinton received an unprecedented promotion — from practice-squad receiver to starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

“I can easily say it’s been the most eventful 24 hours of my life,” said Hinton, who played wide receiver in the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. “When I got the call, it was pure excitement. Of course there was nerves and disbelief, but the encouragement the team gave me…made it a lot easier for me.”

The build-up to Hinton becoming the first non-quarterback to start an NFL game at the position since 1965 was also eventful.

After turning heads during the Collegiate Bowl in January and signing with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in April, Hinton was part of the team’s final roster cuts just before the season in September. To pay the bills, Hinton worked in sports marketing and fundraising before the Broncos came calling again on Nov. 4 with a spot on the practice squad.

Every day thereafter, including Saturday, Hinton served as scout-team receiver and on special teams. With no time to practice following his emergency call-up to quarterback, the Demon Deacons alum crammed what he estimated as “one-tenth” or “about 20 to 30 plays” of the playbook in the short window leading up to Sunday. His first simulated passes came about an hour before kickoff.

Following four run plays to start the game, Hinton took over at quarterback for a third-and-3 situation. Even though his first pass fell incomplete; even though he completed just one of nine pass attempts for 13 yards to go with two interceptions; and even though this Hollywood script did not end in victory for Hinton and the Broncos — they fell 31-3 to the Saints — what the 23-year-old did gain was the respect of many across the league for navigating this impossible situation.

“I would not say this was how I had it planned out in my dreams. It usually doesn’t work out how you want it. So just getting this opportunity and this experience was amazing.” Hinton said to reporters afterward. “I honestly don’t feel like I played to the best of my ability. Of course, a day or two of practice could’ve helped.”

 

 

 

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 11: Dustin Crum, Justin Hall, Sadarius Huthcerson, Charles Snowden, Hunter Duplessis

South Carolina offensive guard Sadarius Hutcherson

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on.  

Dustin Crum, QB, Kent State
Kent State is off to a resounding start, led by quarterback Dustin Crum. The senior finished 22-of-25 for 348 passing yards, while gaining an additional 104 rushing yards and totaling five touchdowns during its trouncing of Akron. Crum showed tremendous poise in the pocket, great command and moxie, plus smart, decisive reactions. His accuracy through three games has been superb, connecting on 75% of his passes. Dating back to last season, Crum has totaled 4,334 yards over his past 16 games, while accounting for 38 touchdowns and just three interceptions, positioning himself to be one of the handful of senior signal-callers to hear his name called during draft weekend. The Golden Flashes are now 3-0 for the first time since 1955, thanks largely in part to the leadership and performance of Crum.

Justin Hall, WR, Ball State
The Ball State offense has been putting up points in bushels behind the efforts of wide out weapon Justin Hall, who is a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball. It’s no wonder why you see the team implement ways to utilize his breakaway speed by featuring him in the backfield, on end arounds, screens and bubbles, in order to create opportunities for him to make plays in open space. His leaping abilities and elusiveness have been well chronicled. A four-year starter, Hall has accumulated 3,383 total yards and 14 touchdowns in 39 career games. His ability to return both punts and kickoffs could make him an appealing option for sticking around on Sundays.

Sadarius Hutcherson, OL, South Carolina
While many of the South Carolina players have opted out of what has been a disappointing season, senior offensive guard Sadarius Hutcherson has gone on record that he will remain all in for the Gamecocks. Citing his leadership role on the team during an uncertain time in the program, which has included the firing of its head coach, Hutcherson continues to step up, which will not go unnoticed by NFL scouts. With 37 career starts under his belt, the Tennessee native boasts plenty of experience as a four-year starter in the SEC, including the past two seasons at left tackle. Hutcherson has also started at both guard spots, a position that he’ll probably play at the next level. Expect to hear his name called at some point during the draft weekend come April.

Charles Snowden, LB, Virginia
It was a somber moment for Virginia linebacker Charles Snowden, whose season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury this past Saturday, which will require surgery. Snowden had just begun rounding into form after being utilized more in a pass-rushing role and compiling six sacks over his previous three games. A team captain and three-year starter for the Cavaliers, Snowden possesses excellent size and athleticism. His versatility to get after the quarterback or drop back in coverage could lead teams to view his role differently at the next level. We hope for a speedy recovery for the Maryland native who has earned the respect of his coaches, teammates, fans and scouts alike.

Hunter Duplessis, K, UT-San Antonio
UTSA has won a handful of close games, including their most recent win over Southern Miss thanks to the leg of Hunter Duplessis, who has been Mr. Reliable. Duplessis has connected on 16-of-17 field goal attempts this year, including long-range conversions of 48, 49, 49 and 50 yards. The San Antonio native has had a consistent past two seasons that has now launched him into the NFL stratosphere. He has shown the ability to be an effective kickoff standout, while making 55 of his 56 career extra-point attempts. Don’t be surprised to see Duplessis in an NFL camp come August competing for a job.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible! 

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