Shaquill Griffin (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Two NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participants continued the game’s strong tradition of successful alumni this season in the NFL.

Shaquill Griffin, who played in the 2017 Collegiate Bowl, and Deonte Harris, who competed in the 2019 Collegiate Bowl, both earned spots on the NFC Pro Bowl team this January. What’s more, Harris earned first-team All-Pro honors as well for his dynamic play as a kick returner for the New Orleans Saints during his rookie season.

Griffin recorded 65 tackles and 13 pass deflections from the cornerback position for the Seattle Seahawks this past season. The Central Florida graduate’s strong play in his third year helped Seattle reach the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.

Despite being an undrafted free agent out of Assumption College, Harris wasted little time making his presence felt in his rookie season for the Saints. In his third career game, Harris returned a punt 53 yards for a touchdown. By season’s end, he sat atop the league rankings in punt return yards (338), fifth in kick return yards (644) and top five in both punt and kick return average per return (9.4 and 26.8, respectively).

Deonte Harris

For the eighth time in the game’s nine-year history, the National Team topped the American Team, 30-20, in the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 18 at Rose Bowl Stadium.

National Team quarterback Nick Tiano (Chattanooga) earned MVP honors after completing eight of his ten passes for 135 yards and a touchdown.

2020 CB NFLPA_FinalBook.

Part of four straight conference titles and a 4-0 bowl record during his four-year career, including 27 straight starts at inside linebacker, Jordan Fehr finished his career at Appalachian State with 211 tackles (17.5 tackles for loss), eight sacks, seven passes defended, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. A first-team All-Sun Belt as a junior and second-team as a senior, Fehr is known for his freakish athleticism, with his ability to bench press 415 pounds, run a 4.45 40-yard dash and vertically jump 40.5 inches – all while measuring in at 6-3, 230 pounds.

LINK: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/all-access-football/2020/01/07/nflpa-bowl-spotlight-jordan-fear-appalachian-state

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 Charlotte, North Carolina. I began playing football at the age of six. I played almost every sport growing up but I always loved and had a strong passion for football. I realized football was for me at a young age because I loved the physicality and the team aspect of the game.

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

I am a tough, sideline-to-sideline linebacker that has a high football IQ. My goal is to do everything I can to help my team get a win. I always strive to be near the ball, hustling until the play is made. I am a quarterback of the defense, making the call and ensuring everyone has it, making checks and that all 11 players are on the same page.

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

This past offseason was a great one. We went through a coaching staff change, which gave me the opportunity to step up as a senior leader to ensure the transition was smooth. I personally worked on my overall strength, size and speed, but specifically I worked on the use of my hands and getting off blocks. Also on my blitz technique, particularly my get off and pass rush moves to disrupt the line of scrimmage and backfield. Additionally, regarding my hips in pass coverage, I trained on being more fluid in and out of my breaks when in both man and zone coverage.

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

My senior year, I was voted as a team captain by my teammates and I am extremely thankful and grateful to have that honor. This happened due to my ability to lead by example. I work hard and try to be the best I can be at everything I do, on and off the field. I do my best to be a role model for others when it comes to having a strong work ethic in all aspects of being a student athlete. I also believe that when I speak, people listen. I believe I have earned the respect over the years that allow my words to carry a significant meaning, whether that’s with my peers or my teammates. I am a natural leader and do everything I can to enhance my leadership skills both on and off the field.

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

During my freshman year, I made the travel squad and started on all special teams. After three games, my coaches and trainers sat me down and told me they want to medical redshirt me, with the goal in mind of gaining another year of eligibility. They wanted me to continue to travel and gain experience, even though I couldn’t play. That spring I was informed that there was a lack of documentation to validate my redshirt, causing my redshirt year to be stripped away from me. My coaches and training staff told me that I did everything right and everything I was supposed to do; it was their fault. Of course, in the moment I was extremely upset because there was nothing I could do about it. However, after I calmed down, prayed about it, and accepted my new reality, I did everything I could do to maximize my college experience and I did just that. God’s plan is always the right plan and I am thankful for everything that happened because it all happens for a reason.

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

I was born in Wilmington, Delaware. My family and I moved around a lot when I was younger due to my parent’s work. I lived in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York, before moving to and growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina at eight years old. I had the opportunity to receive a great education from Providence High School and compete at the highest level on the field in North Carolina. I was heavily involved with Elevation Church, volunteering as an usher and being active by giving back to community through service events. I was very grateful to grow up in a great environment.

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

Our game versus North Carolina this year on September 23 was not only a huge win for our football program, it was one of the hardest games I have ever played in. UNC had great talent across the board, but my team embraced the challenge and wanted to put Appalachian State on the map. We have come close many times, but we were finally able to finish with a big victory. Although it was the toughest game I have ever participated in, I ended with a career-high 16 tackles, making it one of my better games of my career.

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

What separates me from other people is that I am more than a football player. I was a semi-finalist for the Campbell Trophy award, and I graduated with a 3.8 GPA with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Advanced Entrepreneurship. Along with being the Vice President of our Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), I had the great opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, studying hospitality and tourism. I am an active church member of First Baptist Blowing Rock and I partake in many community service events, including Habitat for Humanity, Operation Christmas Child, Vacation Bible School and more. I invest much of my time developing myself into a Godly man and preparing for life once football ends.

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

I would bring Josh Thomas with me. JT is a great person, teammate, and friend. Josh and I were voted as team captains this season by our peers. We would always get in extra work, either coming in early or staying late in the weight room, field, or film room. He was our strong safety to the field so we had to ensure our communication and chemistry was strong. He is a great leader and I enjoyed working with him over the years.

*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! 

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!