Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl.
Heading into the season, there was not a game in the Big 12 more anticipated than the week 12 matchup between Iowa State and Oklahoma. While the season did not turn out as expected for the Cyclones, the Sooners still have an opportunity for the College Football Playoffs. Their win on Saturday put them one step closer to reaching that goal.
In a strong defensive performance that limited star running back Breece Hall to 58 rushing yards, it was safety Delarrin Turner-Yell who stood out as a playmaker with 11 tackles, including some big third-down stops. The senior also added a timely third-quarter interception of Hunter Dekkers, almost putting the game out of reach for the Cyclones. After the game, Turner-Yell said: “You can call it being in the right place at the right time but at the end of the day I made a play and I’m very happy.”
Delarrin Turner-Yell with the int. #SpeedD pic.twitter.com/MPLHcnBHhI
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) November 20, 2021
Despite losing to Alabama this past weekend, Arkansas should be proud of their performance, as they kept the game close with a gutsy performance that included a successful fake field goal. The Razorbacks have taken a massive step forward in head coach Sam Pittman’s second season. A big reason for their success is fifth-year senior linebacker and special teams dynamo Grant Morgan, who demonstrated why he is so valuable to the program. He racked up eleven tackles, as well as two quarterback hurries in Tuscaloosa.
The former walk-on also surpassed the 300 career tackles milestone with his performance. Despite their admirable performance, Morgan clarified: “We are not into moral victories, everybody on that field believed that we could win the game. Just know, we are still on the rise and that game is another example of it.”
Finalist Spotlight: @RazorbackFB R-SR LB Grant Morgan (@grantmorgan15). 2020 Burlsworth Trophy finalist, Second-Team All-America, First-Team All-SEC. In 2021 he’s on the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list and a Campbell Trophy finalist. SEC Academic Honor Roll 2017-2020. pic.twitter.com/SH5eAJzNt9
— Burlsworth Trophy (@BurlsworthTrust) November 22, 2021
In his final game at the Horseshoe, Ohio State wideout Chris Olave proved why he is one of the best receivers in the country. Contributing seven receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns during the Buckeyes 56-7 rout of Michigan State, Olave made sure to put NFL scouts on notice. His second score was the 35th touchdown of his career, breaking the Buckeyes all-time school record, previously held by David Boston. It is safe to say that the one-time three-star recruit has exceeded expectations during his time in Columbus.
The San Diego native has now surpassed 700 receiving yards for three consecutive seasons while sharing the field with multiple future NFL wideouts. An excellent ball tracker, he will look to continue his downfield success at the next level in 2022. But first, Olave has plans to bring home ‘The Natty!’
C.J. Stroud with a 43-yard TD pass to Chris Olave. Ohio State up 21-0 (1st quarter) pic.twitter.com/IVaIKyGu1P
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) November 20, 2021
*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00 am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!