Growing up on a horse farm in Suffolk, Virginia, Cole Christiansen hardly envisioned playing professional football. But after racking up 275 career tackles at West Point, he is squarely on the NFL radar. Get to know the two-time Army captain who registered six games of double-digit tackles in 2019.

Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? When did you begin playing football and when did you realize that you have a passion for the game of football?

I grew up on a horse farm in Suffolk, VA and I began playing football in the third grade. My father played football and told me that I could keep playing in college and the pros, and if given the opportunity, it would be the greatest experience of my life. After a year of Pop Warner, I was hooked and knew I wanted to play at the highest level I could.

When a NFL scout pops in your game film, what type of player should they expect to see?

NFL scouts should expect to see a guy who plays with maximum effort every single play. Regardless of where the ball is on the field, I always strive to get my hat on the ball carrier and make a difference. I believe the play is not over until the whistle blows and a game isn’t over until the sound of the final horn and I always do everything in my power to obtain victory.

What was your offseason like heading into 2019? What areas of your game did you work on to improve upon?

My offseason going into this year was intense and fast-paced because of the time constraints we have here at West Point. We have military training obligations that occupy a significant portion of the offseason, so our approach to football training is aggressive. I worked specifically to improve upon my drops and my ability to cover in space moving backwards. This is not something I am asked to do that often in our defense, but it is something I looked to improve because I know how critical it is in today’s game. I also looked to improve my pass-rush techniques once I reach the second level.

What type of leadership intangibles do you bring to the table? Explain your leadership style.

If there is one thing West Point provides it is a superior leadership development program. I have trained to become an officer in the United States Army for four years and have commanded multiple cadet companies of 120-plus soldiers. I am also a two-year captain on the football team and have had the privilege to be a leader of leaders. My teammates are the best leaders I have ever met, so it has been a tremendous experience for me to lead them onto the field. My leadership style is continuously evolving but I will always value every individual in the organization. I strive to be approachable and likeable but am firm when necessary. It has been interesting leading in military environments with a chain of command and transitioning to a football team of direct peers. I have learned that you cannot use the same leadership techniques on everyone because everyone perceives what you say differently. It is always my goal to have gravity and inspire trust when I speak and through my actions.

Name a point during your college career when you had to overcome adversity. What did you learn from that experience?

I have experienced the deaths of five classmates since I have been at West Point. Several from training accidents, one suicide and a teammate of mine was killed in a car crash. I had not experienced death before I got here and it was traumatic to have so much in such a short time. I learned from their deaths however, how quickly an organization can rally or crumble. Fortunately, I saw my team and my institution come so close to each other and accomplish more than any of us thought possible. Through hardship, there is growth; and through shared hardship, there are bonds formed that last forever.

What was it like growing up in your hometown? Did you live any other places?

I had a great childhood and cannot thank my parents enough for their sacrifices. My sisters and I grew up on a horse farm with over 100 horses and learned to work and appreciate hard work. Living there was really the best of two worlds because we had the rural ranch life at home and the beach just 30 minutes away. I spent much of my time at Virginia Beach and Norfolk growing up on the water.

Who has been the toughest opponent you have faced thus far in your career, either overall team or an individual? How did you fare?

The toughest team I have faced so far was Ohio State my sophomore year. We played them well in the first half with the score 14-7, but they pulled away from us in the end. Oklahoma and Michigan were also great opponents and we took both to double overtime but couldn’t find victory in either game, unfortunately.

What is something people might not know about you or something that separates you from other players?

Something that separates me from other players is my experience leading large organizations and my understanding of the importance of winning. We are taught at West Point and in the Army that in war you either win, or you die. I apply that in everything I do and will always lead my troops or teammates with a fierce winning mentality. I believe I am a good player but most importantly I know how to lead and win.

If you could bring one teammate with you, who would you bring?

I would bring Elijah Riley my co-captain and cornerback. He is a fantastic athlete and an exemplary leader. I loved sharing the field with him and because of his drive and toughness I would gladly share a foxhole with him any day as well.

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST! 

Born in Ghana, Duke linebacker Koby Quansah moved to the United States at the age of four. He has endured plenty of adversity since then, both on and off the field, while starring for the Blue Devils. This past season, Quansah racked up 105 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, to go with seven quarterback hurries. Find out more about this defender ahead of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl:

LINK: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/all-access-football/2019/12/12/nflpa-bowl-spotlight-koby-quansah-duke

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST! 

One of several signal-callers who have been invited to the ninth annual NFLPA Bowl, quarterback Nick Tiano began his career at Mississippi State before landing at Chattanooga, where he would catch the attention of pro scouts. Standing in at 6-5, 240 pounds, Tiano possesses a rocket arm, throwing for nearly 5,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns the past two seasons. He added nine rushing touchdowns in 2019, displaying his scrambling ability while gaining nearly 400 yards with his legs.

Get to know the gunslinger, as he embarks on Pasadena and gets set to perform in front of all 32 NFL teams.

Link: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/all-access-football/2019/12/17/nflpa-bowl-spotlight-nick-tiano-chattanooga

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST! 

An unsung hero for West Virginia, long snapper Rex Sunahara was a special teams dynamo for the Mountaineers. His performance earned him a spot in the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Tune in below and learn more about one of the top prospects for the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, as he joins hosts Dane Vandernat, Von Hutchins and Ric Serritella on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Player Spotlight Show.

LINK: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/all-access-football/2019/12/13/nflpa-bowl-player-spotlight-rex-sunahara-west-virginia

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST! 

Measuring in at 6-5, 250 pounds, along with an 83-inch wingspan, North Greenville defensive end Chauncy Haney appeared to be a man among boys this past season, establishing himself as one of the top D-II prospects in the nation. The big, strong, athletic edge rusher is squarely on the NFL radar after recording 55.5 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2019. In addition, Haney recorded 11 quarterback hurries, had a pair of forced fumbles and made excellent use of his size with two blocked kicks on special teams, boosting his career total to six. His performance made him the first player in North Greenville history to receive an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

LINK: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/all-access-football/2019/12/16/nflpa-bowl-player-spotlight-chauncy-haney-north-greenville

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 4 p.m. EST/7 p.m. EST! 

The NFL Players Association announced the full roster for its ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Wednesday.

The all-star game will once again feature a collection of the best seniors in college football showcasing their skills at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The roster has been split into two groups: the National team, led by former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, and the American team, led by former Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson.

This year’s contest is slated to take place on Saturday, January 18, culminating a week-long experience during which the participants will learn about the business of football. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST kickoff and will be televised on NFL Network.

Click here to view the full player rosters for the American and National teams. Please note rosters are subject to change.

One of the key cogs for the resurgent Mustangs in 2019, defensive end Delontae Scott enjoyed a bust out campaign, racking up 39 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and one blocked kick. His improved overall play helped guide SMU to a 10-2 record, earning a birth in the Boca Raton bowl, while making him a known commodity amongst NFL scouts. Delontae sat down with the NFLPA Bowl Player Spotlight Show to talk about what’s made him the player he is today.

LINK: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/all-access-football/2019/12/19/nflpa-bowl-player-spotlight-delontae-scott-smu

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune-in on NFL Network at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST! 

All Michael Pifer wanted to do was get on the field. So when his high school coach at Penn Trafford was looking for a volunteer to replace the team’s regular long snapper, Pifer answered the call. Some seven years later, he’s grown into one of the country’s best long snappers at the collegiate level, earning first-team All-America honors from Special Teams University.

Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? When did you begin playing football and when did you realize that you have a passion for the game of football? 

I grew up in a town in Western Pennsylvania called Jeannette and played at Penn Trafford High School in Harrison City. I started playing football in the seventh grade. I had always loved participating in team sports and being able to contribute to a team win has always been a passion for me. My passion for the game grew from the day I started.

When a NFL scout pops in your game film, what type of player should they expect to see? 

They will see a consistent and reliable snapper with great velocity on the ball. I also show that I have the ability to block, which is something that a lot of colleges do not ask of their long snapper.

What was your offseason like heading into 2019? What areas of your game did you work on to improve upon?  

I predominately worked on my strength and speed in the offseason. I put on weight to better prepare myself. I relentlessly worked on my craft as a snapper to become as consistent as a person can be.

What type of leadership intangibles do you bring to the table? Explain your leadership style. 

I believe that actions speak louder than words. Carry yourself with confidence and others will notice. I am not the most vocal person when it comes to leadership, but I am confident in myself and know I am capable of leading in any situation I find myself called upon to do so. I pride myself in leading by example.

Name a point during your college career when you had to overcome adversity. What did you learn from that experience? 

Adjusting to the life of a Midshipmen was very difficult in the beginning. I had to learn how to approach life as a member of our nation’s military rather than just be a civilian college student with minimal responsibilities. I spent a lot of time trying to balance my academic, military and football responsibilities. Initially, I did struggle and it hindered my play. This caused me to put a lot of negativity on myself. This helped me to grow, because I did not let this setback define me. I used these challenges to keep me humble and I used them as a point of reference for advancement. Addressing how to deal with the adversity before it becomes a larger shadow than it should came with my training at the academy. It helped me realize that most occurrences in life are not permanent, and that you take everything in stride and use it to better yourself in that moment.

What was it like growing up in your hometown? Did you live any other places? 

Growing up in my hometown helped form me into the man I am today. I did not grow up in poverty or wealth. I lived in a situation that most people would consider to be “average.” That basically summed up everything around me, too. I love where I grew up but everything and everyone seemed to be satisfied with being “average” and that is something I am not. It bothered me that most people did not try to excel at things. The area helped me realize that I want more from life. I want to excel and push myself to be the best at everything I want to do.
Until I was 12, I lived in a city called Sanford, in Central Florida, before moving to Jeannette. We did not live in poverty, but there was some poverty in our area. I grew up playing baseball with kids who were less fortunate than me. My parents always taught me that I will always encounter people from different backgrounds and to always be accepting of that. Living in that environment, I learned that how much money you have or the type of home you live in, does not define what kind of person you are. I pride myself in trying to understand people and their different backgrounds to the best of my ability.

Who has been the toughest opponent you have faced thus far in your career, either overall team or an individual? How did you fare? 

Notre Dame, overall, is the fastest and most athletic team that I have played. Their guys are fundamentally sound and good at their jobs. I fared well snapping the ball against them. The thing I learned most from playing them is that I needed to work on recognizing when an opponent is rushing the punter or if they are getting in my face to hold me up.

What is something people might not know about you or something that separates you from other players? 

As a long snapper, you tend to fall in the shadows of your teammates, so people do not really notice what you do to excel at your craft. Others do not realize how much I have trained to get to the level that I am playing at. In my five years with Navy, I have spent every spring break and what little time we had free in the summer flying to Wisconsin to work with a private coach while most of my friends and teammates went on nice trips. Part of my Christmas gift each year was money to put towards training.
I am very driven but do it privately. I do not like the attention on me. I am aware of what my role is and I do everything in my power to be the best that I can be. While many players in other positions are drawn to the attention, I prefer to stay in the background and contribute to the team when called upon.

If you could bring one teammate with you, who would you bring? 

I’d bring Malcolm Perry, Navy’s quarterback. I have been playing with him for five years. We are very similar in the sense that we tend to be quiet and more reserved and that we let our actions speak for us. He is the player that you want on your side, the one you want to go to battle with. He is going to put everything on the line to bring our team success. He is a true competitor and the consummate teammate.

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST! 

A four-year starter for the Temple Owls, offensive guard Jovahn Fair was awarded a single-digit number due to his leadership and toughness in the trenches. His stellar career earned him a spot in the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl held at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on January 18th, 2020.  Tune in and learn more about one of the top prospects for the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, as he joins hosts Dane Vandernat, Von Hutchins and Ric Serritella.

LINK: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/all-access-football/2019/12/06/nflpa-bowl-player-spotlight-jovahn-fair-temple

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST! 

A versatile defensive back who has started 43 games at both cornerback and safety, Dayan Ghanwoloku Lake finished his BYU career with 207 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss, along with 15 pass breakups, seven interceptions, seven fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one touchdown. His journey from the war-torn country of Liberia to Utah is one of the most amazing stories that you’ll hear leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft.

 Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? When did you begin playing football and when did you realize that you have a passion for the game of football?

I was born in West Africa in a country called Liberia. I moved to the United States in 2002 because Liberia was going through a civil war (there’s a bigger story to this). I grew up in Layton, Utah where I attended Northridge High School. Before I started playing football, soccer was my passion. I had to stop playing on my club soccer team when I was in sixth grade because it was a conflict in schedules. I loved winning and the physicality of football pushed me to give up soccer and invest all my time in football. In middle school is when I flipped a switch and figured out the game and really built that deep love and passion for the sport.

When a NFL scout pops in your game film, what type of player should they expect to see?

They should expect to see a versatile, physical, smart football player who is willing to do anything to win.

What was your offseason like heading into 2019? What areas of your game did you work on to improve upon?

I focused on film study and being able to recognize routes and formations fast. I played multiple positions on our defense, so I took pride in knowing what everyone on defense did and where everyone was supposed to be.

What type of leadership intangibles do you bring to the table? Explain your leadership style.

My leadership style is to lead by example. I’m a strong believer in “practice like you play.” The only reason I get on my teammates is because I know I’ve seen them play at their best at full speed and if they don’t have the same energy at practice as a group, we will never be great. I hold myself to that same standard.

Name a point during your college career when you had to overcome adversity. What did you learn from that experience?

A time in my career that I went through adversity was when my uncle got killed in 2017 in Philadelphia. My family and I were really struggling because he was a big key in helping my older sister and I get out of the war-torn country we were in. In the Liberian culture, there isn’t really any documentations, but my uncle was one of the oldest out of all the brothers and he had all the stories and information to our family members that have passed on. During that year, I wasn’t very focused on school or football, but I knew my uncle paved a way and set the standard high for school and life. I stopped letting the death of my uncle bring me down and turned it into motivation. I made a promise to myself and my family to graduate and have a successful college career while dedicating the season to my uncle by putting “Ghanwoloku” — my family name, which is also my middle name — on the back of my jersey.

What was it like growing up in your hometown? Did you live any other places?

Growing up in my hometown, it was always about being able to adapt and don’t let the opinions of others affect the person you are, especially in Utah. I had a lot of friends but I was very independent and led myself. The only places I’ve lived have been Utah and Africa.

Who has been the toughest opponent you have faced thus far in your career, either overall team or an individual? How did you fare?

I’ve played a lot of great teams in a lot of different conferences. As a defensive back, the best wide receiver that I’ve gone against this year was USC wideout Michael Pittman Jr. He made some big plays and I made some big plays but in the end, I got the game-winning interception.

What is something people might not know about you or something that separates you from other players?

I hate to lose more than I love to win. I might come off to people as a nice, humble guy, but when I get on the field, I flip a switch and I will do ANYTHING to win. The game of football has done so much for my family and I and I owe it to my family and myself to always go 100. Coming from a war-torn country where I had absolutely nothing and being in the position I’m in now, is what makes my drive different than most. I take nothing for granted.

If you could bring one teammate with you, who would you bring?

I would bring my boy Khyiris Tonga.

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune in on NFL Network at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST!