The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with linebackers:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

James Skalski, ILB, Clemson:
As a fifth-year graduate student, James Skalski’s teammates have begun referring to him as “sensei” due to his grasp of the Tigers’ defensive scheme. As the primary inside linebacker in 2019 who made Clemson’s defensive calls, the Sharpsburg, Georgia native displayed great command on the field aligning teammates pre-snap as well as quickly keying and diagnosing once the ball was hiked. Standing at 6-0 and 235 pounds, Skalski isn’t the biggest linebacker in the draft class but does play with one of the highest motors. Aiding the All-ACC Academic selection’s play speed in this zone-match defense are his instincts, which enable him to get a jump on where the ball is going.

Jermaine Johnson, OLB, Georgia:
In his first season with the Bulldogs, Jermaine Johnson showed promise as a developmental stand-up linebacker who can perform a variety of roles. The former Independence CC product and star of 2018’s “Last Chance U” aligned as an outside linebacker in base, rush end in nickel, and inside linebacker in dime, displaying the versatility that NFL teams covet. Blessed with prototypical outside linebacker size at 6-4 and 240 pounds, Johnson has good, straight-line speed for the position and is capable of dropping into low zones in pass coverage. If the Eden Prairie, Minnesota native adds to his pass rush toolbox in 2020, he’ll further expand his diverse skill set.

Garret Wallow, ILB, Texas Christian:
Garret Wallow is one of those non-flashy players who, when you look down at your note sheet at the end of the game, you’ve given credit for 20 tackles. The productive inside linebacker from New Orleans led the Big 12 in tackles in 2019 and it’s not surprising considering his instincts, smooth lateral movement skills, aggressive nature and effort. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, Wallow is a slightly undersized linebacker prospect who projects to remain inside at the next level while being a core special teams contributor. Linebackers with his smarts and leadership, however, are always in high demand.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: LINEBACKERS

K.J.	Britt	LB	Auburn	6-1	236
Max	Richardson	LB	Boston College	6-1	230
James	Skalski	LB	Clemson	6-0	235
Jermaine	Johnson	LB	Georgia	6-4	240
Monty	Rice	LB	Georgia	6-1	235
Dru	Prox	LB	Kansas	6-2	215
Elijah	Sullivan	LB	Kansas State	6-1	210
Jamar	Watson (Boogie)	LB	Kentucky	6-2	242
Chauncey	Manac	LB	Louisiana	6-3	252
Jabril	Cox	LB	Louisiana State	6-3	233
Dorian	Etheridge	LB	Louisville	6-2	230
Zach	McCloud	LB	Miami-FL	6-2	235
Quincy	Roche	LB	Miami-FL	6-3	235
Lakia	Henry	LB	Mississippi	6-0	235
Sam	Williams	LB	Mississippi	6-2	251
Erroll	Thompson	LB	Mississippi State	6-1	250
Chazz	Surratt	LB	North Carolina	6-3	230
Daelin	Hayes	LB	Notre Dame	6-4	266
Caleb	Kelly	LB	Oklahoma	6-2	225
Calvin	Bundage	LB	Oklahoma State	6-2	234
Amen	Ogbongbemiga	LB	Oklahoma State	6-0	225
Blaze	Alldredge	LB	Rice	6-2	220
Riley	Cole	LB	South Alabama	6-3	235
Sherrod	Greene	LB	South Carolina	6-1	230
Delano	Robinson	LB	SMU	6-0	238
Aaron	Hansford	LB	Texas A&M	6-2	240
Buddy	Johnson	LB	Texas A&M	6-2	228
Garret	Wallow	LB	Texas Christian	6-1	220
Riko	Jeffers	LB	Texas Tech	6-1	245
Patrick	Johnson	LB	Tulane	6-2	255
Charles	Snowden	LB	Virginia	6-6	235
Rayshard	Ashby	LB	Virginia Tech	5-11	237
JaCquez	Williams	LB	Wake Forest	6-1	220
Tony	Fields II	LB	West Virginia	6-1	220
DeAngelo	Malone	LB	Western Kentucky	6-3	231

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with defensive tackles:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Ralfs Rusins, NG, Liberty:
Traditionally, nose guards are the key cogs inside for stuffing the run, but Ralfs Rusins showed in game one versus Syracuse last year that he can also use his power to affect the quarterback in the passing game as well. Taking the center straight back into the quarterback’s lap for a sack, the Latvian native is a power player who utilizes his great size and length to be a factor in both phases of the game. With an impressive ability to hold the point of attack, lock-out blockers with extension, read and react to the play, and shed to tackle, it’s no wonder the former tight end finished the season fourth on the team with 60 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. 

Darel Middleton, DT, Tennessee:
Big Darel Middleton was creatively utilized in 2019 for the Vols, aligning at closed-side defensive end in their even front, at 4i in okie (3-man) fronts, and then kicking inside to tackle in nickel. At 6-6 and 311 pounds, the former East Mississippi CC Lion – who won the 2018 NJCAA national championship – adds a lot of beef to stuffing the run and was regularly able to use his strength to press off opposing blockers. With his advantageous size and great physicality, Middleton naturally projects inside to defensive tackle for the next level.

Darius Stills, NG, West Virginia:
As an undersized and active nose guard, Darius Stills is fun to watch. With good initial quickness to immediately stress interior blockers and the contact strength to not be deterred through the gap, Stills makes his living in the offensive backfield. In 2019, the West Virginia native led the Mountaineers with an impressive 14.5 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with seven sacks, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. With a motor that never fails and the speed to get home, keep an eye out for this year’s preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Forrest	Merrill	DT	Arkansas State	6-1	338
Tyrone	Truesdell	DT	Auburn	6-2	310
Khyiris	Tonga	DT	Brigham Young	6-2	326
Tedarrell	Slaton	DT	Florida	6-4	358
Marvin	Wilson	DT	Florida State	6-4	311
Devonte	Wyatt	DT	Georgia	6-4	320
Mike	Greene	DT	James Madison	6-3	285
Quinton	Bohanna	DT	Kentucky	6-5	361
Phil	Hoskins	DT	Kentucky	6-5	305
Ralfs	Rusins	DT	Liberty	6-6	325
Neil	Farrell Jr.	DT	Louisiana State	6-4	298
Jonathan	Ford	DT	Miami-FL	6-4	306
Akial	Byers	DT	Missouri	6-3	300
Kobie	Whiteside	DT	Missouri	6-2	310
Keyshon	Camp	DT	Pittsburgh	6-3	285
Darel	Middleton	DT	Tennessee	6-6	311
Corey	Bethley	DT	Texas Christian	6-1	290
Darius	Stills	DT	West Virginia	6-1	290

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with defensive ends:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Big Kat Bryant, DE, Auburn:
Big Kat Bryant got his opportunity to start in 2019 and the 6-4, 250 pounder displayed a wide array of roles he can play. Starting at defensive end primarily, the versatile chess piece also lined up at rush defensive tackle in nickel and as a stand-up outside linebacker. In each role, he rushed the quarterback, defended the run and even dropped back into zone showing smooth ability to flip his hips and maneuver in space. As a rusher, Bryant flashes good initial quickness to threaten offensive tackles off the snap as well as good push, turning speed to power. No doubt he would like better finish to the quarterback and to add to his five-sack total over the past two seasons.

Victor Dimukeje, DE, Duke: A rare four-year starter, Duke’s Victor Dimukeje is a fun player to watch due to his non-stop motor and his ability to get to the football. Not always the prettiest but one of the most effective rushers in this year’s class, Dimukeje led the Blue Devils while ranking third in the ACC with 8.5 sacks a season ago. Blessed with twitchy movements and explosiveness, the Baltimore product puts immediate stress on offensive tackles’ range and comes with a variety of pass rush moves. His impressive straight-line speed coupled with his effort enables him to cover a lot of ground when chasing out of the stack.

Dayo Odeyingbo, DE, Vanderbilt:
One of the larger defensive ends in this year’s class, Dayo Odeyingbo is another versatile player who aligns all across the defensive front. Standing at 6-5 and 275 pounds, Odeyingbo is a stout run defender at the point of attack, even being able to hold up versus double teams while playing inside. Arguably his best position may end up being at 3-tech in the NFL due to his size, ability to win off the snap, his heavy-hands engaging blockers and overall disruptive presence in the offensive backfield. With 45 tackles – including 12 for a loss – in 2019, the Carrollton Ranchview (Texas) product plays with a high motor in his pursuit of the football to boot.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE ENDS

Demetrius	Taylor	DE	Appalachian State	6-1	275
Big Kat	Bryant	DE	Auburn	6-4	247
William	Bradley-King	DE	Baylor	6-3	248
Justin	Foster	DE	Clemson	6-3	265
Tarron	Jackson	DE	Coastal Carolina	6-2	270
Victor	Dimukeje	DE	Duke	6-3	265
Jeremiah	Moon	DE	Florida	6-5	228
Janarius	Robinson	DE	Florida State	6-5	261
Malik	Herring	DE	Georgia	6-4	280
Raymond	Johnson III	DE	Georgia Southern	6-3	240
David	Anenih	DE	Houston	6-3	237
Payton	Turner	DE	Houston	6-5	288
Glen	Logan	DE	Louisiana State	6-4	309
Tariqious	Tisdale	DE	Mississippi	6-6	290
Marquiss	Spencer	DE	Mississippi State	6-5	285
Tomon	Fox	DE	North Carolina	6-3	250
Adetokunbo	Ogundeji	DE	Notre Dame	6-5	253
LaRon	Stokes	DE	Oklahoma	6-4	269
Patrick	Jones II	DE	Pittsburgh	6-4	260
Rashad	Weaver	DE	Pittsburgh	6-5	270
Matthew	Butler	DE	Tennessee	6-4	285
Micheal	Clemons	DE	Texas A&M	6-5	270
Cameron	Sample	DE	Tulane	6-3	272
Dayo	Odeyingbo	DE	Vanderbilt	6-5	275
Justus	Reed	DE	Virginia Tech	6-3	248
Carlos	Basham Jr.	DE	Wake Forest	6-4	275

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we kick things off with offensive tackles:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida:
The Florida Gators have a long line of massive offensive tackles playing in the NFL, and Stone Forsythe looks like he will continue the legacy. Standing at 6-6 and 329 pounds, the Winter Garden, Florida native enters his second season as the starting left tackle. With his size, Forsythe is able to effectively wall-off defenders in the run game while utilizing his length to ride edge rushers beyond the quarterback in the pass game.

Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame:
After watching former first-round pick Mike McGlinchey for two years, Liam Eichenberg enters his third season in 2020 as the Fighting Irish’s starting left tackle. Blessed with the size, length and foot quickness to be an effective blind-side protector, Eichenberg is no slouch in the run game either. With the ability to roll his hips while drive blocking, the former Saint Ignatius High School prep star demonstrates the ability to create movement in the run game, as well as the grit, physicality and toughness NFL teams seek.

Carson Green, OT, Texas A&M:
From another school with a history of producing NFL offensive linemen, Texas A&M has both starting tackles on this year’s Big Board, including right tackle Carson Green. The third-year starter out of illustrious Westlake Carroll High School in Texas is one of the more coordinated hand and foot athletes in that he can punch a rusher with his hands while simultaneously not missing a beat in his kick step. Another impressive aspect of Green’s game is his ability to refit his hands after initially placing them on a defender, enabling him to maintain sufficient contact while sustaining his block.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Alex	Leatherwood	OT	Alabama	6-5	312
Stone	Forsythe	OT	Florida	6-6	329
D’Antne	Demery	OT	FIU	6-5	320
Landon	Young	OT	Kentucky	6-6	324
Austin	Deculus	OT	Louisiana State	6-6	322
Josh	Ball	OT	Marshall	6-7	304
Greg	Eiland	OT	Mississippi State	6-7	335
Liam	Eichenberg	OT	Notre Dame	6-6	305
Robert	Hainsey	OT	Notre Dame	6-5	295
Teven	Jenkins	OT	Oklahoma State	6-7	310
Sadarius	Hutcherson	OT	South Carolina	6-3	320
Carson	Green	OT	Texas A&M	6-5	315
Dan	Moore Jr.	OT	Texas A&M	6-5	325

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with interior offensive linemen:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College:
After beginning his collegiate career at Davidson and starting only the last seven games of 2019, left guard Zion Johnson showed that he belongs on our Big Board with his play. Standing at 6-3 and 300 pounds, the Bowie, Maryland product is on the slighter side of the guard spectrum but possesses the tools NFL coaches look for in left guards and centers. Johnson routinely displays on tape the ability to quickly get out of his stance, athleticism to execute a variety of move blocks, strength to latch and steer in the run game, anchor to halt a bull rush and the awareness to adjust to a moving picture. Equally impressive is his ability to keep clean by staying on his feet – the true mark of a good athlete.

Tristen Hoge, OG, BYU:
Tristen Hoge looks like a right guard. The two-time Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year award winner is blessed with prototypical guard size and length, and he brings a physical, nasty demeanor to the trenches every snap. One of the strengths of his game is his ability to utilize his length in pass pro to lock-down power rush moves. Gap-scheme NFL offenses best suit this mauler’s skill set but he’ll need to rebound from some inconsistencies after being limited to just five games in 2019.

Jimmy Morrissey, C, Pittsburgh:
Players like Pitt’s Jimmy Morrissey don’t come around often – a four-year starter who’s smart, athletic, physical and with good size. The former walk-on can be seen regularly making the line calls pre-snap, consistently delivering an accurate snap to the quarterback, picking up his man in the scheme and finishing his block through the whistle. After his headiness, Morrissey’s athleticism really shines on tape and that’s why he’s able to execute reach blocks and second level- blocks so efficiently while getting out on screens and even being able to pull to the perimeter on tosses.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Deonte	Brown	OG	Alabama	6-3	338
Landon	Dickerson	C	Alabama	6-5	308
Myron	Cunningham	OG	Arkansas	6-8	293
Xavier	Newman	OG	Baylor	6-2	307
Zion	Johnson	OG	Boston College	6-3	300
Tristen	Hoge	OG	Brigham Young	6-4	301
Parker	Boudreaux	OG	Central Florida	6-4	301
Jack	Wohlabaugh	C	Duke	6-3	300
D’Ante	Smith	OG	East Carolina	6-5	292
Stewart	Reese	OG	Florida	6-5	345
Ben	Cleveland	OG	Georgia	6-5	335
Luke	Fortner	OG	Kentucky	6-5	304
Drake	Jackson	C	Kentucky	6-2	313
Robert	Jones	OG	Middle Tennessee	6-4	332
Royce	Newman	OG	Mississippi	6-5	305
Dareuan	Parker	OG	Mississippi State	6-3	330
Stewart	Reese	OG	Mississippi State	6-6	345
LaQuinston	Sharp	OG	Mississippi State	6-3	315
Joe	Sculthorpe	OG	NC State	6-3	314
Tommy	Kraemer	OG	Notre Dame	6-5	319
Josh	Sills	OG	Oklahoma State	6-5	338
Jimmy	Morrissey	C	Pittsburgh	6-3	305
Hayden	Howerton	OG	SMU	6-3	290
Bryce	Foxworth	OG	Southern Miss	6-3	316
Brandon	Kennedy	C	Tennessee	6-3	301
Trey	Smith	OG	Tennessee	6-5	325
Derek	Kerstetter	OG	Texas	6-5	305
Denzel	Okafor	OG	Texas	6-4	315
Jared	Hocker	OG	Texas A&M	6-5	323
Austin	Myers	OG	Texas Christian	6-5	303

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with tight ends:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Miller Forristall, TE, Alabama:
Miller Forristall has a well-rounded skill set while having experience in the Crimson Tide’s “pro style” offense. The second-year starter is a very heady player who has done just about everything an offensive coordinator can ask: align all across the formation, block 6-techniques head-up, and stay in on 7-man protections to pass block, run routes and be a reliable pass catcher. Not the biggest, not the fastest, just effective at everything he does. One aspect of Forristall’s game that is particularly impressive and that does not show up on the stat sheet is his ability to adjust on the fly to pick up “color” in order to ensure the dangerous Alabama running backs have clear lanes to run through.

Kylen Granson, TE, SMU:
One of the most intriguing chess pieces in this year’s draft class is Kylen Granson of SMU who set a team tight end record last season with an impressive nine receiving touchdowns. A regional track qualifier at Austin, Texas’s renowned Westlake High School, SMU staff have timed the former Rice wide receiver in the 4.4s. Though not a prototypical “Y” type tight end at a shade under 6-3 and weighing 235 pounds, Granson battles inline blocking while not being afraid to stick his nose in the fire. The athletic mismatch poses issues for opposing defensive coordinators due to linebackers struggling with his speed and route running ability and safeties surrendering size.

Tony Poljan, TE, Virginia:
Standing at 6-7 and 265 pounds, new Cavalier tight end Tony Poljan has the distinction as being the biggest tight end prospect on this year’s preseason Big Board. A second-team All-MAC performer a season ago for the Chippewas, Poljan was a tri-sport athlete in high school who was named to Mr. Basketball Watch List prior to his senior season and opened his collegiate career at Central Michigan as a quarterback. With his long arms and frame, the Lansing, Michigan native is able to effectively cover-up defenders in the run game and box them out in the pass game, much like a center in basketball. True to his athletic background, Poljan possesses impressive ability to adjust to the flight of the ball as a receiver and owns soft hands to consistently snatch the ball away from his frame.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: TIGHT ENDS

Miller	Forristall	TE	Alabama	6-5	242
Matt	Bushman	TE	Brigham Young	6-5	245
Noah	Gray	TE	Duke	6-4	240
Tre	McKitty	TE	Georgia	6-5	245
Roger	Carter Jr.	TE	Georgia State	6-2	250
Chase	Allen	TE	Iowa State	6-7	240
Trae	Barry	TE	Jacksonville State	6-6	235
Briley	Moore	TE	Kansas State	6-4	250
Justin	Rigg	TE	Kentucky	6-6	266
Josh	Pederson	TE	Louisiana-Monroe	6-5	232
Kenny	Yeboah	TE	Mississippi	6-4	240
Nick	Muse	TE	South Carolina	6-4	232
Kylen	Granson	TE	SMU	6-2	235
Tony	Poljan	TE	Virginia	6-7	265

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with wide receivers:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville:
Dez Fitzpatrick does a lot of things very well. The two-plus-year starter entering 2020 hasn’t put up gaudy receiving stats in his college career, but he’s been very productive for the Cardinals as a pass catcher, blocker, decoy and unselfish teammate. At 6-2 and over 200 pounds, the Waterford Mott High School product – who scored a remarkable 23 receiving touchdowns his senior season – has prototypical X-receiver size, good toughness to catch underneath in traffic, solid speed to stretch the defense on vertical routes, and natural hands to catch the ball away from his body. NFL coaches will particularly appreciate his physicality as a blocker in both the run and the pass game, and his awareness to break off his route to get back in the quarterback’s vision in scramble situations.

Osirus Mitchell, WR, Mississippi State:
One of the most physically imposing wide receivers in this year’s class at a shade over 6-4 and 210 pounds, Osirus Mitchell is a big man who can stretch the field vertically. The Sarasota, Florida native led the Bulldogs in 2019 with six touchdown catches, and each of them were for greater than 20 yards. A smooth athlete with very good body control for his size and the ability to elevate up for the ball, Mitchell can run a variety of routes while being a threat on all three levels of the field. When he’s not the quarterback’s target, he has no qualms throwing his body around as a blocker while using his length to shield defenders.

Marquez Stevenson, WR, Houston:
Marquez Stevenson is fast. Just how fast? Last year, Recruiting Analytics – a sports tech company that uses player tracking software – allegedly clocked him running at 21.9 mph! What’s equally as impressive watching him play football is how quickly he gets to full speed. Capable of playing in the slot or out wide, his ability to stick his foot in the ground and burst away from defenders underneath is elite, and he possesses a second gear downfield to separate and run under the football. Combined with soft hands that enable him to consistently catch the ball away from his body and elusiveness running to evade would-be tacklers, Stevenson is a legit NFL prospect who figures to hear his name called early in the Draft.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: WIDE RECEIVERS

DeVonta	Smith	WR	Alabama	6-0	175
Austin	Watkins Jr.	WR	UAB	6-2	205
Thomas	Hennigan	WR	Appalachian State	6-1	205
Corey	Sutton	WR	Appalachian State	6-3	200
Jalen	Virgil	WR	Appalachian State	6-1	210
Jonathan	Adams Jr.	WR	Arkansas State	6-3	209
Tre	Nixon	WR	Central Florida	6-1	180
Marlon	Williams	WR	Central Florida	6-0	222
Amari	Rodgers	WR	Clemson	5-10	210
Trevon	Grimes	WR	Florida	6-4	214
Kadarius	Toney	WR	Florida	6-0	194
Demetris	Robertson	WR	Georgia	6-0	190
Marquez	Stevenson	WR	Houston	6-0	190
Andrew	Parchment	WR	Kansas	6-1	185
Josh	Ali	WR	Kentucky	6-0	188
Racey	McMath	WR	Louisiana State	6-2	221
Adrian	Hardy	WR	Louisiana Tech	6-1	193
Dez	Fitzpatrick	WR	Louisville	6-2	202
Willie	Johnson	WR	Marshall	6-0	178
Damonte	Coxie	WR	Memphis	6-2	197
Osirus	Mitchell	WR	Mississippi State	6-4	210
Dazz	Newsome	WR	North Carolina	5-10	185
Emeka	Emezie	WR	NC State	6-2	208
C.J.	Riley	WR	NC State	6-3	206
Jaelon	Darden	WR	North Texas	5-9	172
Javon	McKinley	WR	Notre Dame	6-2	220 E
Dee	Anderson	WR	Oklahoma State	6-5	225
Dillon	Stoner	WR	Oklahoma State	6-0	198
Tylan	Wallace	WR	Oklahoma State	6-0	185
Kawaan	Baker	WR	South Alabama	6-1	210
Shi	Smith	WR	South Carolina	5-10	190
Reggie	Roberson Jr.	WR	SMU	6-0	200
Tim	Jones	WR	Southern Miss	6-1	192
Josh	Palmer	WR	Tennessee	6-1	195
Tarik	Black	WR	Texas	6-3	215
Jhamon	Ausbon	WR	Texas A&M	6-2	218
JD	Spielman	WR	Texas Christian	5-9	185
Seth	Collins	WR	Texas Tech	6-2	190
T.J.	Vasher	WR	Texas Tech	6-5	190
Khalil	McClain	WR	Troy	6-4	227
Keylon	Stokes	WR	Tulsa	6-0	190
Changa	Hodge	WR	Virginia Tech	6-1	200

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with running backs and fullbacks:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
Few running backs will be as “pro ready” for the NFL as UNC’s Michael Carter. A 1,000-yard rusher a season ago, the 5-9 and 195-pound back is an excellent athlete with superb vision, quick feet, a low center of gravity and deceptive strength to finish runs physically. His best trait, arguably, is his versatility to contribute as a rusher, receiver, kick returner and pass blocker. All of these things individually require mastery by a player in order to succeed at the highest level, and Carter demonstrates them on the field consistently.

Josh Johnson, RB, Louisiana-Monroe
In his first full season as a starter in 2019, Josh Johnson asserted himself as a bona fide first- and second-down rusher while eclipsing the 100-yard mark in seven games en route to 1,298 yards on the ground for the season. A thickly built, downhill runner with good vision to see the hole and the speed to get through it, the former JUCO transfer from Coahoma CC is most effective squaring his shoulders and running between the tackles. Standing at 5-9 and weighing 215 pounds is an advantage for this Warhawk RB, as he has the ability to sneak through small spaces and win the leverage battle when meeting a linebacker in the hole. Though a capable pass catcher and willing blocker, Johnson will have the 2020 season to fine tune his pass pro technique and demonstrate to NFL teams that he can be an every-down contributor.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
Rhamondre Stevenson is a big back even by NFL standards. Listed at 6-0 and 230 pounds, it’s rare to see RBs his size with his speed and explosiveness. As a JUCO starter at Cerritos College in 2018, the Las Vegas native rushed for over 2,100 yards in only 11 games. Last year at OU, he split time in the backfield but made an impact whether he touched the ball or not. In Coach Lincoln Riley’s offense, Stevenson was asked to block when not carrying the ball, and numerous defenders felt the brunt of his power upon impact. When he did tote the rock, his instant speed allowed him to gash defenses to the tune of a team-leading 8.0 yards per carry. Aiding his average is his determination to squeak out every yard by squaring his shoulders and running behind his pads.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS

Najee	Harris	RB	Alabama	6-2	230
Brian	Robinson Jr.	RB	Alabama	6-1	226
Carl	Tucker	FB	Alabama	6-1	248
Spencer	Brown	RB	UAB	6-0	228
Rakeem	Boyd	RB	Arkansas	6-0	215
Trestan	Ebner	RB	Baylor	5-11	208
John	Lovett	RB	Baylor	6-0	212
Travis	Etienne	RB	Clemson	5-10	210
Deon	Jackson	RB	Duke	5-11	220
B.J.	Emmons	RB	Florida Atlantic	6-0	230
Mulbah	Car	RB	Houston	6-0	215
Asim	Rose	RB	Kentucky	6-1	210
Elijah	Mitchell	RB	Louisiana	6-0	221
Trey	Ragas	RB	Louisiana	6-0	227
Tory	Carter	FB	Louisiana State	6-1	250
Justin	Henderson	RB	Louisiana Tech	5-10	228
Josh	Johnson	RB	Louisiana-Monroe	5-9	215
Kylin	Hill	RB	Mississippi State	5-11	215
Larry	Rountree III	RB	Missouri	5-10	210
Michael	Carter	RB	North Carolina	5-9	195
Rhamondre	Stevenson	RB	Oklahoma	6-0	236
Ty	Chandler	RB	Tennessee	5-11	201
Quadraiz	Wadley	RB	Texas-El Paso	6-0	205
Shane	Simpson	RB	Virginia	5-9	195
Khalil	Herbert	RB	Virginia Tech	5-9	205

Believe it or not, the 2020 college football season is almost here, which means it’s time to roll out our annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board!

Continuing in our game’s 10-year tradition as the country’s most diverse all-star football showcase, we have compiled a list of 268 draft-eligible prospects from across the nation who are on our radar. 

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we kick things off with quarterbacks:

THREE TO WATCH

Zerrick Cooper, QB, Jacksonville State:
We had fun watching Jacksonville State film last year and having WR Josh Pearson participate in the Collegiate Bowl. His quarterback the past two seasons – Zerrick Cooper – now gets his opportunity to solidify his NFL prospects as a rare 3-year starter. Standing at 6’3 and 225 pounds, the former Clemson Tiger is a physically imposing player who’s unafraid to stand in the pocket while scanning the defense. Blessed with a strong arm and the ability to throw with touch and accuracy, Cooper put together back-to-back 3,400+ passing-yard seasons while throwing a combined 50 TDs and rushing for another 12.

D’Eriq King, QB, Miami (FL):
There is not a more dynamic playmaker at quarterback this year than D’Eriq King. After splitting time at both QB and wide receiver in 2016-17, the Manvel, Texas native took the country by storm in 2018 while accounting for 50 total touchdowns and leading the NCAA in scoring prior to suffering an injury. At a shade under 5’10”, King is a non-traditional QB prospect who makes plays with his arm and legs. After taking a redshirt last year at Houston following the fourth game of the season, King will be playing in his third offensive system in as many years this fall with the Hurricanes.

Zach Smith, QB, Tulsa:
For the first time since 2016, Tulsa returns its starting signal caller from the previous year, Zach Smith. After beginning his collegiate career at Baylor, Smith earned the starting nod in training camp last year for the Golden Hurricane and took advantage of the opportunity to the tune of over 3,200 yards passing and 19 TD passes. As the season wore on, the more traditional pocket passer completed north of 70% of his throws in two of the final three games. Though not the dual-threat as some of his contemporaries, Smith is a rhythm and timing passer who does an excellent job scanning the field and working his feet in concert with his upper body.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: QUARTERBACKS

First Name	Last Name	Position	School	Height	Weight
Zac	Thomas	QB	Appalachian State	6-1	210
Feleipe	Franks	QB	Arkansas	6-5	235
Charlie	Brewer	QB	Baylor	6-1	206
Kyle	Trask	QB	Florida	6-4	239
Jamie	Newman	QB	Georgia	6-3	230
Zerrick	Cooper	QB	Jacksonville State	6-3	225
Skylar	Thompson	QB	Kansas State	6-1	212
Levi	Lewis	QB	Louisiana	6-0	185
Brady	White	QB	Memphis	6-2	215
D’Eriq	King	QB	Miami-FL	5-10	189
K.J.	Costello	QB	Mississippi State	6-4	215
Ian	Book	QB	Notre Dame	6-1	212
Kenny	Pickett	QB	Pittsburgh	6-2	225
Shane	Buechele	QB	SMU	6-1	207
Anthony	Russo	QB	Temple	6-3	235
Sam	Ehlinger	QB	Texas	6-2	235
Kellen	Mond	QB	Texas A&M	6-2	217
Zach	Smith	QB	Tulsa	6-2	228

It was quite the weekend for the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl class. Fifteen players were selected during the virtual NFL Draft and 70 players (and counting) signed as undrafted free agents with teams around the league.

Update: Quarterback Nathan Rourke was drafted in the second round (15th overall) of the Canadian Football League (CFL) Draft.

Below are highlights via social media as well as a list of drafted and signed Collegiate Bowl players that will be continually updated:

Jaylinn Hawkins — Atlanta Falcons — Round 4 — No. 134

“I’m turnt up right now. It’s a blessing.” – @jhawko6 pic.twitter.com/3O0Q3DEud1

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 25, 2020

 

L’Jarius Sneed — Kansas City Chiefs — Round 4 — No. 138

Dreams money can’t buy ❤️🙏! pic.twitter.com/BLmvOCr0rg

— Sneed (@jay__sneed) April 27, 2020

 

Danny Pinter — Indianapolis Colts — Round 5 — No. 149

Big ups to the big man on the O-line @dannypinter75 for being selected by the @Colts in the #NFLDraft! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/TnhrvtmjYG

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) April 25, 2020

 

Broderick Washington — Baltimore Ravens — Round 5 — No. 170

Congrats to @B_Washington96 on hearing his name called during the #NFLDraft! The @Ravens are getting a beast in the trenches 😤 #NFLPABowl #RavensFlock @TexasTechFB pic.twitter.com/2i9DQCQiP2

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) April 25, 2020

 

Jason Huntley — Detroit Lions — Round 5 — No. 172

Welcome to Detroit, Jason Huntley!#NFLDraft | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/ecHaMeHSHi

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 25, 2020

 

Darnell Mooney — Chicago Bears — Round 5 — No. 173

Word on the Twitter street is WR @Darnell_M1 has a rocket strapped to his back. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

🐻⬇️ | #BearsDraft pic.twitter.com/T3dny9BUkN

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 25, 2020

 

Jake Luton — Jacksonville Jaguars — Round 6 — No. 189

Congratulations to @JakeLuton6 being drafted by the @Jaguars in the #NFLDraft2020! Jake becomes the 1st ever @NFLPABowl QB drafted and he will provide great depth for the Jaguars!#Duval #GoBeavs #NFLDraft

— Dane Vandernat (@DVandernat) April 25, 2020

 

Charlie Woerner — San Francisco 49ers — Round 6 — No. 190

The NFC champion @49ers got a steal in @GeorgiaFootball TE Charlie Woerner. Congrats on making it to the next level! #NFLPABowl #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/gqVTsFJT9G

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) April 25, 2020

 

Shaun Bradley — Philadelphia Eagles — Round 6 — No. 196

#FlyEaglesFly🖤 pic.twitter.com/BLe9A0lpSK

— Shaun Bradley® (Sdot) (@Sdot_Bradley5) April 26, 2020

 

Blake Brandel — Minnesota Vikings — Round 6 — No. 203

#SKOL https://t.co/BjsfVNVNLU

— Blake Brandel (@BlakeBrandel) April 25, 2020

 

Sterling Hofrichter — Atlanta Falcons — Round 7 — No. 228

💯 https://t.co/SAa0mshaej

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) April 26, 2020

 

Dustin Woodard — New England Patriots — Round 7 — No. 230

Great selection by the @Patriots (and Nike the dog) in picking up tough and talented O-lineman @dustin1w, who showed his versatility at the @MemphisFB and the #NFLPABowl. Good luck!#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/dFGvgE6faZ

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) April 26, 2020

 

Chapelle Russell — Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Round 7 — No. 241

Appreciate the opportunity!!! Can’t describe the feeling!!! Much love!!! https://t.co/PihkcCD0Hn

— Chapelle “Deuce” Russell (@DeuceRussell36) April 25, 2020

 

Raymond Calais — Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Round 7 — No. 245

We 👀 you, @king_calais #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/bBerjxDq7u

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 26, 2020

 

Kyle Hinton — Minnesota Vikings — Round 7 — No. 253

Rounding out the #NFLDraft for #NFLPABowl players is @BigMyke_Hinton, the durable @IchabodFTBL O-lineman who is headed to the @Vikings. Way to go, Kyle! #SKOL pic.twitter.com/QEfgQb2KwH

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) April 26, 2020

 

Nathan Rourke — BC Lions — Round 2 — No. 15 (CFL Draft)

So excited to join a franchise such as BC. I was born in Victoria, have family all over BC so I was a Lion fan growing up. Dream come true! Can’t wait to get started! https://t.co/hiBLrRmo0g

— Nathan Rourke (@nathan_rourke) May 1, 2020

2020 COLLEGIATE BOWL DRAFTEES AND SIGNEES
(Names in bold were drafted)