An All-MIAA standout, Pittsburg State cornerback KiAnte Hardin brings big game pedigree as a transfer from Minnesota. A versatile player who also returns kicks, the former high school track star is a weapon with the ball in his hands and is a threat to score on any interception or return opportunity. Hardin had four interceptions in 2019, along with 15 pass deflections and 27 tackles, while averaging 14.4 yards per punt return in 11 games. Get to know the Missouri native, as he discusses some of his best attributes, toughest opponent and why he’s ready to take his game to the next level.

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 small town called Webb City, Missouri.  I started playing football at the age of four and I think the passion for me began at eight years old.

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

A versatile player that possess elite speed and ball skills.

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

My offseason consisted of me coming off of a season-ending injury and working to get physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming season.

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

I think I’m more of a lead-by-example type of leader. I’m ultra-completive and I like to bring out the best in my teammates.

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

Last year, I tore my MCL and I think I realized how precious the opportunity to play this game is and got a sense of appreciation for getting back to that point.

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

Growing up in my hometown was a fun experience. The community consists of die-hard Webb City football fans and the atmosphere was especially ecstatic in the fall.

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 opponent I have faced would definitely have to be playing against Ohio State as a true freshman.  Going into the game, I was playing on various special teams but not actually seeing the field on defense. Unfortunately, my teammate got hurt and I was thrusted into action. We didn’t end up winning the game ,but I was able to hold my own against the team I had just seen playing in the national championship the year before.

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

I think what separates me is always being overlooked, which leads to me always playing with a chip on my shoulder. Also I love playing the board game “Settlers of Catan.”

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

I couldn’t choose one but I’d definitely bring Lorenzo West and Simanua Thomas.

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18^th 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!

The transformation of Danny Pinter has an intriguing backstory. Arriving at Ball State as a tight end, Pinter quickly earned the starting job and was off to a fast start until a left foot injury ended his season prematurely in 2017. Over Christmas break that year, Pinter would gain 50 pounds while living back home with his folks. When he returned the following season, he would find himself atop the depth chart — at right tackle. Since then, the South Bend native has started the past two seasons (24 games) at tackle, while garnering the attention of NFL scouts with his footwork, hand usage and ability to finish.

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’m from South Bend, Indiana. I began playing football with friends when I was younger but have been playing organized football since the fifth grade. I truly realized I had a passion for football when I went to a Bears-Packers game in the fourth grade at Lambeau Field. The atmosphere and environment surrounding the game immediately made me fall in love with every aspect of the game. When I started playing organized football the next year, I knew it was what I loved to do.

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

They should see a high motor and strong effort for all four quarters. I pride myself on playing to the whistle every play, and it is something we as a team put a strong emphasis on. I try and play the game as physical as I can, and my goal is to always be more physical than my opponent. I believe I have good athleticism for being a lineman and try to use that to my advantage. I know I have plenty of areas to improve in my game and am excited to have the opportunity to continue to work on those.

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

I have only been a tackle for two years, so first, I wanted to get a lot stronger in the weight room. We have a great strength program and they helped me to do that. I also wanted to work on improving my footwork, particularly in the run game so that I could put myself in better position. However, I would say I mostly worked on pass pro, and trying to make that as natural as possible, I emphasized my feet and hands a lot. I feel like my hands in pass pro is the biggest thing I am continuing to work on.

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

I like to lead by example first, but also will get vocal when I need to. Throughout my five years at Ball State, we really were working through turning a program around, and there were several of us seniors who really took pride in taking over the leadership aspect of that turnaround. It was a cool process and while the win/losses weren’t were we wanted it to be, I think from my freshman year to now, there have been huge turnarounds that have put Ball State in a good position going forward. I personally learned a lot about leadership during that process, especially connected with all different types of teammates and motivating people through my own actions.

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

The biggest adversity for me was being a part of that turnaround. Particularly in 2017, we had an abundant amount of injuries and were losing games by 30-plus points every week. I got hurt halfway through and missed the rest of the season. It was a hard time because I couldn’t play, but I also was a leader on a struggling team and had to continue to push through and be a leader every day. We had lots of people who left the program out of frustration, but a group of us in my class chose to stay and do everything we could to turn things around. I learned about the power of pushing through and staying positive/together through hard times. I think that year changed a lot about myself and our program and we vowed to never get back to a year like that through hard work.

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

I’ve lived in South Bend my whole life. I love it there. Although I was not a big Notre Dame fan, growing up with that football program in your hometown was a really cool experience and definitely helped grow my love for football. Every weekend, the whole city centers around Notre Dame football and I went to a lot of really cool college football matchups growing up.

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

We actually played Notre Dame in South Bend in 2018. It was the second game of the year and they were ranked No. 8 in the country, coming off a win against Michigan. I also went against Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem the whole game. I think I fared pretty well and held my own. It was only my second ever game playing tackle, so I would have loved the opportunity to play them again with more experience under my belt. As a team, we took them down to the wire and ended up losing 24-16. It’s still frustrating to look back on because we played our hearts out and I feel like we were very close to winning the game.

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

I think my path to and through Ball State is unique. Ball State was my only D-1 offer and it came two weeks before Signing Day because one of their tight ends had quit. I was committed to a D-2 school before. In addition, I came in as a tight end and played it for three years, being a starter as well. The next year, my coaches asked me to transition to tackle and I added 50 pounds to do so. I also will have earned a Master’s degree by the end of the spring. I’m very thankful for my time and experience at Ball State.

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

If I could bring one teammate with me, I would bring our linebacker Jacob White. He is also looking to continue playing at the next level. He and I were leaders of the offense and defense and were always pushing each other. He is by far the hardest-working teammate I have ever had, and a very productive player as well. He is two-time All-Conference and a team captain for three years. I loved playing with him and being on his team, he’s exactly the type of player you would want on your team. I know whatever team takes a chance on him will be getting a steal.

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18^th 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!

An athletic freak at nearly 330 pounds, Southeast Missouri defensive tackle Josh Avery is a disruptive force in the middle who oftentimes swallows up multiple bodies on each snap, allowing his teammates to make plays. Somewhat of an unsung hero, his performance hasn’t been overlooked by NFL scouts, as nearly every team has been to campus to check in on the Nashville native. Blessed with great strength, Avery owns a 30” vertical jump, can squat 530, bench 465 and clean 325 pounds. In 2019, he registered 20 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Get to know one of the premier nose tackle prospects in 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 grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. I began playing football when I was five years old. It was a youth league team and our team name was Una Bears. A few years later, I was on another youth league team called Gray-Mar and we played the Una Bears in the championship. My team lost and it really devastated me as well as my teammates. We had worked so hard for our game and came up short. This motivated me to work harder and encourage my teammates to fix the little things, so we don’t come up short.

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

They would see someone who is confident in their game but needs maybe some minor fixes, looking from an NFL standpoint.

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

More running to be better conditioned and more film study on myself to see what adjustments I can make to be a better player.

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

I lead by example. My actions are an accurate reflection of who I am as a leader.

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

When I transferred to Southeast Missouri, I had to sit out my first year and I was devastated because I was ineligible to play. However, I bought into my role as a player and was a good scout team player to help our offense. I learned that I could have been in a worse situation. It taught me a life lesson that everybody goes through something, it is all about perseverance.

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

Just your typical hometown, I suppose. For me, it was mostly sports and school. I grew up in East Nashville but moved to Antioch for a good amount of school years.

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 opponent I played against as an individual is Drew Forbes. He’s so technical with his game. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I definitely had to make some adjustments playing against him.

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

Personally, I am a really good swimmer and that shocks others because most people would not expect that from me. Something that distinguishes me from others is that I am unique. There won’t be another me.

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

Zach Hall. I trust him. He is 100 miles per hour the whole game. If I miss a tackle, he’s got my back.

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18^th 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!

An explosive runner who helped turn the Chippewas from a one-win team in 2018 to an eight-win team in 2019, Central Michigan running back Jonathan Ward joined the NFLPA Bowl Spotlight Show. His performance this past season earned him an invitation to the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, which will be played held at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium on January 18th, 2020.

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 Kankakee, Illinois, about 40 minutes south of Chicago. Small town. I started playing at a young age of four. I realized my passion for the game once I scored my first touchdown. It has just always been a way to escape from real world problems for me. I feel like the game teaches you life lessons in so many ways. The biggest one is that there is no one-man army; in order to be successful, you must be a unit and move as one.

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

A hard-nosed player who has love for the game. I feel as if I am a three-down back that can pass protect, catch out of the backfield and run between the tackles. I would also be labeled as a versatile player that can make production from anywhere on the field. Whether that be from slot, wide out, special teams. A natural leader and student of the game that is dedicated to the team. 

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

Pass protection and being able to see the play develop before the snap.  I also wanted to improve on my route running ability from the slot as well as just becoming a better player/teammate overall.

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

I am a leader of few words. I choose to lead through actions rather than words. I am the leader who sets the standard for the program. The expectations can be said but if they are not seen, then is there any progress really being made?  I lead by either pushing someone to be better or pulling them along. But either way, if you’re a part of the team, then you will be part of the progress.

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

During the 2018 football season, being nationally ranked as the worst team in FBS, dealing with injuries and not producing like we planned. I learned that it’s not about how adversity hits you; it’s about how you respond to it. Everyone goes through trials and tribulations, but pressure can burst pipes or pressure can make diamonds. Anything that prospers through adversity is rare to find.

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

Kankakee is the only place I’ve lived before going off to college, so that is all I know really, besides Mount Pleasant. To most people, it’s a place in the middle of nowhere. But to me, it’s just like any other place. I feel like growing up, you have good parts and rougher parts. Kankakee is a place with not many opportunities, so when you get one, you just run with it as long as you can.

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’ve faced overall would be Wyoming in the Idaho Potato Bowl. Just all-around tough players that played with grit and all 11 flew to the ball. They played with emotion the whole game every play. It wasn’t the worst game I played, but it was probably the most physical one by far. Every tackle, it was at least three people in on the play.

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 that I play with a chip on my shoulder. I feel like when I play I’m playing for all the kids that are over looked and just need a shot. I’m never content. I feel like there is always room for improvement in some aspect of my game. I also have a passion for cooking and fishing. I want to own a chain of restaurants someday.

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

Kalil Pimpleton

*The ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held on Saturday, January 18^th at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Be sure to tune-in on NFL Network at 7pm eastern time!

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former NFLPA President Kevin Mawae will serve as an assistant coach for the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Pro Football Hall of Famers and NFL legends once again highlight the coaching staffs of the upcoming 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

On the National Team, led by Marvin Lewis, newly enshrined Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae will serve as co-offensive coordinator. The former NFLPA president played 16 NFL seasons at center, earning All-Pro honors seven times before entering the Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Rod Woodson will call the shots on the other side of the ball as the National Team’s defensive coordinator. The long-time Pittsburgh Steeler and Baltimore Raven established himself as a lockdown defender across 17 seasons, leading to his Hall of Fame induction in 2009.  He is joined by on the National Team staff by fellow Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, who returns to coach the Collegiate Bowl’s offensive linemen.

For Hue Jackson’s American Team, three-time Pro Bowlers Joshua Cribbs (special teams coach) and Seth Joyner (linebackers) will share their wisdom with the next generation of players.

Rounding out each of the coaching staffs are active player interns, both from the Cleveland Browns: tight end Pharaoh Brown (American) and offensive lineman Willie Wright (National), who competed in the 2019 Collegiate Bowl.

The ninth annual postseason all-star game will be played on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium, bringing together the top draft-eligible players from colleges and conferences across the country. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST on NFL Network.

For the latest news and updates on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, visit the game’s website at http://collegiate.nflpa.com/ and follow @NFLPABowl on Twitter.

Here are the full coaching staffs for the American and National teams:

NATIONAL TEAM
Head Coach: Marvin Lewis
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Mawae
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Bercovici
Defensive Coordinator: Rod Woodson
Quarterbacks Coach: Jeff Blake
Running Backs Coach: Scottie Graham
Wide Receivers Coach: Santana Moss
Tight Ends Coach: Anthony Becht
Offensive Line Coach: Jackie Slater
Defensive Line Coach: Frostee Rucker
Linebackers Coach: Chad Brown
Defensive Backs Coach: Carnell Lake
Defensive Backs Coach: Ricky Manning Jr.
Defensive Backs Coach: Dante Marsh
Special Teams Coach: Sam Shade
Specialist/Assistant: Marcus Lewis
Offensive Coaching Intern: Mykkele Thompson
Active Player Intern: Willie Wright
GA: Anthony Garnett

AMERICAN TEAM
Head Coach/Quarterbacks Coach: Hue Jackson
Offensive Coordinator: Greg Seamon
Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Thurman
Running Backs Coach: Brandon Jackson
Wide Receivers Coach: Derrick Alexander
Wide Receivers Coach: Anthony Miller
Tight Ends Coach: Chris Cooley
Offensive Line Coach: Bob Wylie
Offensive Line Coach: Steve Wisniewski
Defensive Line Coach: Clyde Simmons
Defensive Line Coach: Kenny Delgado
Linebackers Coach: Seth Joyner
Defensive Backs Coach: Robert Everett
Defensive Backs Coach: Daylon McCutcheon
Special Teams Coach: Joshua Cribbs
Specialist/Assistant: Cameron Davis
Defensive Coaching Intern: Alshermond Singleton
Active Player Intern: Pharaoh Brown
GA: Usman Syed

Wagner’s Cam Gill

WEEK 9: Wagner vs. Central Connecticut

With the calendar turning to November, it was true football weather in Staten Island, as the Collegiate Bowl traveled to Wagner College to see the Seahawks host the Central Connecticut Blue Devils and NEC all-time sack leader Cam Gill. The senior edge rusher didn’t disappoint, as he added two more sacks to his record total (35). Considered to be one of the premier FCS edge rushers, Gill possesses great burst and a quick first step, while demonstrating the strength necessary to warrant looks at the next level.

Live Look: The @NFLPABowl is watching @Wagner_Football edge prospect #11 Cam Gill (@bigplay_10).

Nearly every #NFL team has been thru to get eyes on one of the top #FCS prospects in the country.

Last wk he set @NEC all-time sack record, he now has 33! #OnLocationAcrossTheNation pic.twitter.com/rJkhahR2De

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) November 2, 2019

Another under-the-radar prospect is Seahawks defensive tackle Chris Williams, who doesn’t look 300-plus pounds with his lean frame but packs plenty of punch up front along the defensive line with his ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and track down runners in pursuit. The Brooklyn native would finish with 10 tackles on the day, including two tackles for loss. Wagner defensive line coach Terrence ‘Pot Roast’ Knighton has been working with Williams to diversify his repertoire and brought in Washington Redskins defensive tackle Chris Baker to work with him over the summer.

Live Look: want an under the radar prospect, check out @Wagner_Football #1 DT Chris Williams.

A lean, mean 300 pound machine, the @MisterRoast98 protege is playing at a high level and the @NFLPABowl is paying close attention! #OnLocationAcrossTheNation pic.twitter.com/8KbodgbzY0

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) November 2, 2019

For Central Connecticut, it would earn the victory due to a stout defense that pitched a shutout in the second half, led by defensive back Tajik Bagley. The All-NEC standout produced a big interception and showed off his return skills with a pair of kick returns that gave the Blue Devils excellent field position. A three-year starter, Bagley will be depended upon to play a key role down the stretch, as the Blue Devils continue to move up the FCS rankings and prepare for another playoff run.

Marvin Lewis, left, and Hue Jackson (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2019

Players who compete in the upcoming NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will have the opportunity to glean from 20 years of NFL head coaching experience.

Just a year removed from their third stint serving on the same NFL staff, Hue Jackson and Marvin Lewis will face off as head coaches for the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The ninth annual game takes place on January 18, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in California and will air live on NFL Network with a kickoff time of 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST.

A Los Angles native, Jackson has built a reputation as a strong offensive mind behind successful coaching stints with the Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders, among others. A handful of NFL players, such as quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, earned Pro Bowl nods under Jackson’s tutelage.

Jackson landed his first NFL head coaching job with the Raiders in 2011 before returning to a Bengals staff led by Lewis. In his final season as offensive coordinator, he was named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015 by the Professional Football Writers Association. Jackson then went on to serve as head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2016 to 2018.

“I’m excited to tackle this unique opportunity of helping mold the next generation of football players at the Collegiate Bowl,” said Jackson, who also spent 13 years as an offensive coach at the college level. “This game is an important step for these young men in learning the game and business of football, and I can’t wait to get started.”

While Lewis’s coaching career has had a similar trajectory, his success was built on the defensive side of the ball. The former Idaho State standout broke into the NFL ranks in 1992 when he was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers to coach their linebackers. In 1996, Lewis was tabbed as defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, building one of the most prolific defensive units in NFL history. His six-year run with the Ravens culminated with a victory in Super Bowl XXXV.

Following one year as assistant head coach of the same Redskins staff that featured Jackson, Lewis took over as head coach of the Bengals in 2003. During his 16 seasons, Lewis led the Bengals to seven playoff appearances and four division titles, earned 2009 AP Coach of the Year honors and set the franchise record for most wins as a head coach with 131.

“My coaching career started at the college level, so it’s always held a special place in my heart” said Lewis, who served as linebackers coach at Idaho State, Long Beach State, New Mexico and Pittsburgh across 11 years. “I’m looking forward to working with some of the country’s best prospects at the Collegiate Bowl and helping prepare them to succeed as professionals.”

For the latest news and updates on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, visit the game’s website at collegiate.nflpa.com and follow @NFLPABowl on Twitter and Instagram.

Ohio State offensive lineman Jonah Jackson (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

WEEK 8: Ohio State vs. Northwestern

For Ohio State’s offense, starting left-guard Jonah Jackson and company paved the way for a remarkable 279 yards rushing while surrendering only the one Gaziano sack. A grad transfer from Rutgers, Jackson is a versatile interior blocker who has starting experience at both guard positions as well as center. He’s not only versatile but also athletic, climbing to the second level of defenses and picking up blocks on linebackers and safeties.

Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Also on offense, after not recording a reception in the first half of the game, wide receiver Austin Mack hauled in all four of his receptions for 50 yards and the touchdown on the drive, showing savvy as a route runner and strong hands to hold onto the ball.

Defensively for the Buckeyes, linebacker Malik Harrison was all over the field while pacing the team with nine total tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and one QB hurry, showing great range and physicality chasing down ball carriers. Both he and defensive tackle Davon Hamilton make their presences felt versus the run and then have the versatility to also be able to affect the passer.

In the secondary, third-year starting stud corner Damon Arnette seldom surrenders a contested catch while showcasing the short-area quickness and ball skills to make it a no-fly zone his way. The Saint Thomas Aquinas product recorded three tackles on the night while not being tested very often.

Fellow secondary mate Jordan Fuller had another solid game for Ohio State while recording the third-most tackles on the team with five on the night. A three-year starter himself, Fuller is a fluid athlete with good range from the middle of the field along with solid ball skills that he’s continuously put on display. So far in his NCAA career, Fuller has recorded six interceptions and seven pass breakups.

One bright spot for the Wildcats’ defense in the blowout loss was the strong play of senior DE Joe Gaziano, who officially recorded five tackles and one sack while seemingly getting in on many more plays than that. Gaziano is an interesting prospect for NFL teams, as the Scituate, MA native is a physical and productive player who makes plays in both phases of the game while possessing tweener DE/DT size. Pro Day shuttle times, along with the 40-yard dash, will answer some questions as to where to play him at the next level; but one thing’s for sure: Wherever it is, he will outperform expectations.

EXTRA POINT

Down the road in Carbondale, Illinois, I was also able to catch the Southern Illinois/Youngstown State. My primary objective was to get my eyes on stellar safety Jeremy Chinn, who’s been having one heck of a season for the Salukis. Chinn – who was under-recruited coming out of high school – is an impressive athlete with excellent speed, range and physicality as a tackler. What NFL talent evaluators like most about him, however, is the fact that he’s versatile enough to have started games at cornerback and has produced a mesmerizing 11 career interceptions and 28 pass breakups in just 33 games. Against the Penguins on Saturday, he added to his totals while leading the team in tackles (nine) and recording two pass breaks-ups and one bone-crushing hit on the QB.