2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 7 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week seven, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Lorenz Leinweber 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: California at #9 Oregon, Friday, October 15th, 10:30 pm

On Friday night, the Ducks will be looking to get back on track after their loss to Stanford and the subsequent bye week. Quarterback Anthony Brown and the rest of the team will be without CJ Verdell who is out for the season. This gives Travis Dye a chance to step in at running back against a California defense that features the likes of Kuony Deng and Cameron Goode at the second level.

 

Featured Game: #10 Michigan State at Indiana, Saturday, October 16th, 12:00 pm

Both teams have taken different paths than what was expected of them before the season. Michigan State and head coach Mel Tucker are looking to stay unbeaten against an Indiana defense, which is loaded with talents such as linebacker Micah McFadden and defensive back Jalyn Williams. Michigan State has one of the most experienced offensive lines in the nation including tackle Anthony Arcuri and center Matthew Allen.


 

Featured Game: #13 Ole Miss at Tennessee, Saturday, October 16th, 7:30 pm

Head coach Lane Kiffin has his Ole Miss offense rolling through six weeks with a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback. The attention in this matchup will go to Volunteers cornerback Alontae Taylor who is facing a tough matchup against physical wideout Dontario Drummond.

 

Featured Game: #18 Arizona State at Utah, Saturday, October 16th, 10:00 pm

In this Pac12 after-dark matchup, the Sun Devils travel to Salt Lake City where they will face a tough Utah team led by linebacker Devin Lloyd. Arizona State is loaded from top to bottom with running back Rachaad White and tackle Kellen Diesch being some of the best at their position in college football. On defense, they feature the cornerback duo of Jack Jones and Chase Lucas who will once again try to get their hands on the football.

 

*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 on Sports Illustrated!

 

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Six 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.

 

After their first loss of the season, all eyes will be on Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown to see how he reacts to his first bout of adversity since taking the helm for the Ducks. Up until the overtime loss against Stanford, where he threw his first interception of the season, Brown has played relatively mistake-free football. In fact, the Ducks have committed the second-fewest turnovers all season (two) and the coaching staff appreciates his ability to make quick decisions.

“He’s had some really good moments, some other moments where we need to improve upon…he certainly gives us the best chance to win,” said Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal.”He’s done enough in practice, he’s done enough in games.”

In 25 career games played between his time at Boston College and Oregon, Brown has accounted for 62 total touchdowns. A bounce-back game and steady play for the remainder of the season will be critical to Brown keeping his name relevant amongst NFL scouts. He has played a lot of big-time football, so his experience and dual-threat capability could generate some interest at the next level.

 

Coastal Carolina tight end Isaiah Likely had a record-setting night during the Chanticleers win over Arkansas State. The senior standout hauled in eight catches for a career-high 232 receiving yards and four touchdowns, the first tight end in Sun Belt Conference history to accomplish such a feat and also a CCU single-game record. Likely possesses a tremendous blend of speed, power, athleticism, and physicality to his style of play.

“We’ve shared that we think he’s obviously the best in the country, and I’ve not seen every tight end so that’s maybe an unfair statement,” CCU coach Jamey Chadwell said. “But I mean eight catches for 230-something yards and four touchdowns and truth be told I probably could have thrown it to him five or six more times and he probably would have had 400 yards.”

Through six games, Likely now has 517 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 19 yards per catch. His usage at multiple positions on the field should only increase his draft stock in the eyes of NFL scouts. The Massachusetts native has lined up at tight end, h-back, in the slot, outside, and could even be used at fullback if needed. Look for Likely to hear his name called come April.

Lost in the mix during the magical Cincinnati carpet ride season has been the dominant play of senior linebacker Darrian Beavers, who flashes tremendous athleticism and a high motor. Beavers continued his stout play this past week with six tackles, including one sack, one forced fumble, and a pass breakup during their win over Temple. For NFL scouts in attendance, they saw firsthand his ability to chase down backs, make plays in space, and get after the quarterback.

“Sometimes you get that guy that is in his fifth year and they think, ‘This is who I am and this is what I do,'” Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell said. “And the great thing about Darrian is he’s kind of accepted all the different things we’re asking him to do, realizing that if he can continue to grow in what he’s doing, he’s got a real future in the game of football.” A transfer from UConn, where he played defensive end, linebacker and safety, Beavers possesses intriguing versatility. He will likely be viewed as a SAM or WILL backer 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 Date Set

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is excited to announce that the 10th edition of its game will take place on January 29, 2022. Originally slated for the week before, the new date best allows the Collegiate Bowl to once again provide participants with the world-class experience that’s made it the premier postseason all-star showcase.

After going virtual for the 2021he game will once again be played at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium and be televised on NFL Network.

In celebration of the upcoming milestone game, the Collegiate Bowl is unveiling its 10th anniversary team featuring 30 legends who have competed in the showcase. Follow along @NFLPABowl on Twitter and Instagram for exciting features and content in the lead-up to gameday!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 6 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week Six, 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: Stanford at #22 Arizona State, Friday, October 8th, 10:30pm

After their upset win over Oregon, the Cardinal will want to continue playing sound and stingy defense. That all starts on the defensive line with Thomas Booker and Dalyn Wade-Perry with linebacker Jordan Fox roaming behind them. To combat this, the Sun Devils have talented blocker Kellen Diesch who will be looking to open lanes for Rachaad White.

 

Featured Game: #4 Penn State at #3 Iowa, Saturday, October 9th, 4:00pm

The game of the week will see two great Big 10 programs face off at Kinnick Stadium. It will be interesting to watch the matchup between ball-hawking cornerback Riley Moss who will get his dose of star wideout Jahan Dotson who has continued to be a dynamic playmaker. The winner of this matchup will play a big part in the outcome of what is expected to be a close game.

 

Featured Game: #6 Oklahoma vs #21 Texas, October 9th, 12:00pm

Like almost every year, the ‘Red River Rivalry’ is expected to be a nailbiter between two evenly matched programs. Oklahoma wideout Michael Woods and tight end Brayden Willis will be lined up against Texas defensive back Joshua Thompson and nickel D’Shawn Jamison. On the ground, the Sooners will try to get Kennedy Brooks going as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown looks to stop him.

 

Featured Game: #13 Arkansas at #17 Ole Miss, October 9th, 12:00pm

This one is all about rebounding after tough first losses for both teams last week. Arkansas left tackle Myron Cunningham will get a great test against future NFL rushers Sam Williams and Tariqious Tisdale. The smooth technician will have to show his mean streak and compete to stop them.

 

*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 Week Five 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.

 

Cincinnati dual-threat quarterback Desmond Ridder proved why he is considered one of the top senior prospects in the nation, leading the Bearcats to their biggest win in school history over Notre Dame. Ridder did it through the air, delivering two touchdown passes, and then beat the Fighting Irish defense into submission via the ground with a key fourth-quarter touchdown run.

“We didn’t just beat a top-10 team, we beat a top-five program,” Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell said. “That’s the Desmond Ridder factor.” He now has nine passing touchdowns and just two interceptions, to go along with three rushing touchdowns on the season.

One of the most gifted athletic draft-eligible quarterbacks in the Class of 2022, Ridder is expected to test extremely well during the combine and is viewed as an intriguing mid-late round value. Should Cincinnati run the table and make a playoff bid, his stock could continue to rise.

 

Prairie View A&M quarterback Jawon Pass is enjoying a ‘remember me’ type season, guiding the Panthers to their fourth win of the season this past week, accounting for 230 total yards and a pair of touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 signal-caller was pegged the heir apparent to Lamar Jackson during his time at Louisville and it started off well, as he threw for 2,900 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, injuries and inconsistent play led Pass in search of a fresh start at Prarie View A&M. His poise and confidence level are at a noticeable all-time high right now.

“I feel like people know what I’m capable of,” Pass told HBCU Sports. “I just have to show it. I feel like yes, I have something to prove but at the same time, I have to just go out and show it.” For the season, Pass is completing 60% of his passes, throwing for 1,244 passing yards, along with 147 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns through five games. “He’s been a tremendous asset to our program,” said Prairie View head coach Eric Dooley. “He’s fit in with the rest of the guys and been a leader for us.”

The newfound maturity level has been evident and pro scouts have taken notice. “I’ve progressed more mentally,” Pass said. “I have a different overall mindset. At the end of the day, nothing is going to be given to you no matter the situation. I still have the mindset to work hard every day as if I’m trying to be the guy.”

Hawaii do-it-all weapon Calvin Turner flies under the national radar due to his late kickoff times out on the Islands. However, he has been one of the most consistent skill-position players in college football over the past two seasons. His performance during the Rainbow Warriors win over Fresno State was just the latest example. Turner scored as a receiver with four catches and 41 receiving yards. The former high school quarterback next scored as a runner, carrying the ball 14 times for 59 rushing yards out of the wildcat, as their starting quarterback was ruled out just five minutes prior to kickoff.

Turner also serves as the kick, punt returner, and gunner on special teams, making his NFL Draft stock very appealing. Through the first six games of the season, Turner has 727 all-purpose yards, including six rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. His skill-set could translate into a Curtis Samuel (WFT) type role at the next level.

 

Virginia senior Noah Taylor continues to lead the Cavaliers defense, as he collected at least six tackles for the fifth consecutive game and registered his team-leading third sack against the Hurricanes this past week. A productive three-year starter, Taylor battled through injuries during 2020 in what was a streaky season. His consistent play this year is an excellent indication to NFL scouts that he is fully healthy.

“I knew my ability as a player and I knew what I could’ve done last season and I didn’t do that obviously, what I think because of injury.” Taylor explained earlier this season. “So really just trying to get healthy and put that injury behind me and just focus on getting better because I know what I can do as a football player.”

The quick, long, athletic linebacker now has 27 career tackles for loss in 36 games played. He projects as an ideal SAM backer at the next level due to his read-and-react diagnostic ability, quickness to get after the quarterback, and ability to drop back in coverage. He also demonstrates very active hands (10 pass deflections and three interceptions for his career). With his size, speed and experience, look for Taylor to hear his name called come April.

 

*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 5 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week Five, 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 Georgia Tech, Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00pm

The 3-1 Panthers start off their ACC schedule with a matchup against the 2-2 Yellow Jackets. This matchup will be a clash between the high-powered Pitt offense against a tough Georgia Tech defense. Led by senior signal-caller Kenny Pickett, the Panthers will look to take advantage of his big arm and push the football downfield. Competing to prevent that is cornerback Tre Swilling who possesses good size and physicality as well as the feisty demeanor required to succeed at the next level.

 

Featured Game: #6 Oklahoma at Kansas State, Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30pm

Despite going into the year as favorites, the Sooners have looked vulnerable to start the season. Trying to orchestrate an upset, Kansas State defensive linemen Timmy Horne and Bronson Massie are facing tough matchups against Oklahoma’s stout offensive line led by mauling guards Marquis Hayes and Tyrese Robinson. Staying in the trenches, the Sooners have two players with an NFL future on the defensive side of the ball as well in Perrion Winfrey and Isaiah Thomas who pair intriguing size with the necessary athleticism to get after the passer.

 

*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 Week Four 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.

 

For the second consecutive week, Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener willed the Bulldogs to a 38-30 comeback victory over UNLV with four touchdown tosses in the second half, on his way to 455 passing yards on the day. The late-game heroics highlighted his pinpoint accurate and calm demeanor, as Haener has proved to be as cool as a cucumber. His ascension as one of the premier signal-callers in college football may be a bit of a surprise to the national media but not inside the Fresno locker room.

“You could see the talent Jake had a year ago but he hadn’t had enough time to work with the guys around him,” Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer explained. “We can probably find seven, eight throws from this weekend’s game that he physically could have made a year ago, but it wouldn’t have been successful because he just wouldn’t have been dialed in with his receivers.”

On the season, Haener leads the nation in passing yardage with 1,842, is second in the country with 18 touchdowns, and is completing an impressive 73.1% of his passes. While not heavily on the NFL radar when the season began, Haener is clearly a known commodity within the scouting community.

 

 

It was a coming-out party of sorts for Cory Durden and North Carolina State, as the Wolfpack pulled off one of the biggest wins in program history with an exhilarating double-overtime victory over Clemson. The senior defensive tackle was a disruptive force, showcasing his strength and speed while registering one and a half sacks.

“We know how good we are as a defense, that confidence level is there,” Durden stated after the game. “All week that’s what we’ve been preaching, we’re going to show people that we’re the best defense in the country. It was a great feeling to win the game on defense.”

A highly heralded recruit coming out of high school, Durden made an immediate impact during his time with Florida State, before transferring to NC State for 2021. His ability to provide an interior pass-rush presence and constantly place the quarterback under duress have followed him over from Tallahassee. Durden needs to refine some of the technical aspects of his overall game but his raw athleticism and get-off are unquestioned. His performance against Clemson is evidence.

 

 

Few, if any players are performing at a higher level than Michigan pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The Wolverines senior team captain was back at it again this past week, racking up five tackles, including one sack and several quarterback pressures. While Hutchinson has had success in the past playing with his hand in the dirt, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has utilized him more in a stand-up role this season. His versatility should entice every NFL team, as Hutchinson appears poised for the first round with his high level of play.

“Don’t get in his way. When you have great players, you try to put them in positions to succeed, and the expectation is that he plays at the level that he’s playing at,” Macdonald said. “We’ll have wrinkles, and we want to move him around, but we don’t want to overthink it either. We don’t want to get in the way of that, but Aidan’s doing a great job.” After an injury-riddled 2020 campaign, Hutchinson has come out of the gates like a barnstormer, as he now has four and a half sacks and 15 tackles through his first four games.

 

 

The Oklahoma State defense has been stellar thus far this season, thanks largely in part to the consistent play of underappreciated safety Kolby Harvell-Peel, who shows up each week with his lunch bucket in hand. The imposing safety put in a full day of work again in week four, collecting a season-high eight tackles and making a momentum-changing interception before the end of the first half during an upset victory over Kansas State. It was his second big turnover in as many weeks.

“Nothing special that I’m seeing,” Harvell-Peel said after the game. “I’m just trying to do my job. I had a couple of chances where I felt I should have made plays. I’m just trying to capitalize on the chances I do get to get my hands on the ball.” While some wait for those chances, Harvell-Peel creates them with his great instincts and anticipation. Serving as the last line of defense for the Cowboys, there are plenty of more opportunities sure to come. Blessed with great range and size, Harvell-Peel offers NFL appeal due to his ability to cover plenty of ground in pass coverage, while also plugging holes against the run.

 

 

Bryant senior kicker Luke Samperi is one player to keep an eye on. The FCS standout kicker was flawless once again during the Bulldogs’ win over Marist, nailing two field goals, including a 41-yarder and converting all four of his extra point attempts. A former soccer player, Samperi switched over to football during his senior season of high school and continues to get better each year. In fact, he has hit multiple game-winning field goals during his time at Bryant. While Samperi experienced some struggles early on during his collegiate career, he has since strengthened his leg and improved his overall accuracy. In addition, Samperi has developed into a dependable touchback machine on kickoffs. It would not be surprising to see him compete for a spot at the next level with his newfound consistency and boot.

 

 

*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 4 Preview

Below are a pair of players that our evaluators will be keeping an eye on this upcoming week. Tune in each Thursday to ‘The State of Football’ on Sports Illustrated at 9:00 am eastern time, as NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat joins host Ric Serritella to discuss more top prospects from across the country!

 

 

Reggie Roberson, WR, SMU | Next Up: SMU at TCU – Saturday, September 25th 

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has recognized the super senior wideout previously, as he continues to shine for the Mustangs high-octane offense. Last week, Roberson hauled in six receptions for 71 receiving yards and one touchdown. The explosive receiver demonstrates great versatility with his ability to lineup inside or outside. Roberson does an excellent job getting in and out of his routes cleanly while showing a knack for the big play. In fact, if he is able to see pay-dirt this week versus TCU, it would be his 20th career touchdown.

 

Holton Ahlers, QB, ECU | Next Up: Charleston Southern at ECU – Saturday, September 25th 

ECU southpaw signal-caller Holton Ahlers is considered one of the premier senior quarterback prospects due to his size, arm strength, and ability to read through progressions. Last week, was Ahlers 11th career game of 300-plus yards passing, as he lit up Marshall for 368, to go along with two touchdown passes. Just for good measure, Ahlers delivered another score via the ground and even caught a touchdown reception to give him four total on the day. His savvy will be on display once again this week, as the Pirates host Charleston Southern. With 161 passing yards, Ahlers will reach 8,000 yards passing in what will be his 34th career start.

 

Be sure to check back each week as the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl scouting department highlights some of the top standouts in college football each week who are under consideration for the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl to be held on January 29th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

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2022 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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2022 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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