19 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni Selected in the 2022 NFL Draft

After an impressive 10th anniversary edition of our game in January, NFLPA Collegiate Bowl players made a strong showing in the 2022 NFL Draft. Alumni of this year’s game caught the eyes of pro scouts across the country, as a total of 19 players were drafted through seven rounds and another 79 players were signed as undrafted free agents. 

The 19 drafted players is tied for the second-highest mark in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl’s 10-year history. And the 98 total players on NFL rosters ranks second-most and just shy of the 102 players who came from the 2020 class (which was the last time the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl hosted an in-person event).

Below are all of the players who were taken in the 2022 NFL Draft (listed in draft order), followed by players who signed as undrafted free agents (listed alphabetically by last name).

 

2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni NFL Draft Recap:

Sam Williams (DL, Ole Miss) – Round 2 / Pick 56 / Dallas Cowboys
Highest-ever position for a player who competed in the Collegiate Bowl

Eric Johnson (DL, Missouri State) – Round 5 / Pick 159 / Indianapolis Colts

Montrell Washington (WR. Samford) – Round 5 / Pick 162 / Denver Broncos

DaRon Bland (DB, Fresno State) – Round 5 / Pick 167 / Dallas Cowboys

Sam Womack (DB, Toledo) – Round 5 / Pick 172 / San Francisco 49ers

Marcus McKethan (OL, North Carolina) – Round 5 / Pick 173 / New York Giants

Malcolm Rodriguez (LB, Oklahoma State) – Round 6 / Pick 188 / Detroit Lions

Jordan Jackson (DL, Air Force) – Round 6 / Pick 194 / New Orleans Saints

Gregory Junior (DB, Ouachita Baptist) – Round 6 / Pick 197 / Jacksonville Jaguars

Michael Woods II (WR, Oklahoma) – Round 6 / Pick 202 / Cleveland Browns

Doug Kramer (OL, Illinois) – Round 6 / Pick 207 / Chicago Bears

Curtis Brooks (DL, Cincinnati) – Round 6 / Pick 216 / Indianapolis Colts

James Houston IV (DL, Jackson State) – Round 6 / Pick 217 / Detroit Lions

Cameron Goode (LB, Cal) – Round 7 / Pick 224 / Miami Dolphins

Jonathan Ford (DL, Miami) – Round 7 / Pick 234 / Green Bay Packers

Daniel Hardy (DL, Montana State) – Round 7 / Pick 235 / Los Angeles Rams

Chris Oladokun (QB, South Dakota State) – Round 7 / Pick 241 / Pittsburgh Steelers

Brittain Brown (RB, UCLA) – Round 7 / Pick 250 / Las Vegas Raiders

A.J. Arcuri (OL, Michigan State) – Round 7 / Pick 261 / Los Angeles Rams

 

2022 Undrafted Free Agent Signings: 

Austin Allen (TE, Nebraska) – New York Giants

Josh Babicz (TE, North Dakota State) – Carolina Panthers

B.J. Baylor (RB, Oregon State) – Green Bay Packers

D’Anthony Bell (DB, West Florida) – Cleveland Browns

Greg Bell (RB, San Diego State) – Detroit Lions

Markquese Bell (DB, Florida A&M) – Dallas Cowboys

Josh Blackwell (DB, Duke) – Philadelphia Eagles

Max Borghi (RB, Washington State) – Indianapolis Colts

Akial Byers (DL, Missouri) – Green Bay Packers

Mike Caliendo (OL, Western Michigan) – Kansas City Chiefs

Davis Cheek (QB, Elon) – Carolina Panthers

Julius Chestnut (RB, Sacred Heart) – Tennessee Titans

Jack Cochrane (LB, South Dakota) – Kansas City Chiefs

Dai’Jean Dixon (WR, Nicholls State) – New Orleans Saints

Mataeo Durant (RB, Duke) – Pittsburgh Steelers

Jequez Ezzard (WR, Sam Houston State) – Washington Commanders

Olakunle Fatukasi (LB, Rutgers) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Julius Faulk (DB, Delta State) – Cleveland Browns

Chase Garbers (QB, Cal) – Las Vegas Raiders

Ferrod Gardner (LB, Louisiana-Lafayette) – Washington Commanders

Jack Gibbens (LB, Minnesota) – Tennessee Titans

Zyon Gilbert (DB, Florida Atlantic) – New York Giants

Michael Griffin (DB, South Dakota State) – Tennessee Titans

Jake Hansen (LB, Illinois) – Houston Texans

Kolby Harvell-Peel (DB, Oklahoma State) – Houston Texans

Peyton Hendershot (TE, Indiana) – Dallas Cowboys

Clarence Hicks (LB, Texas-San Antonio) – Cincinnati Bengals

Curtis Hodges (TE, Arizona State) – Washington Commanders

CJ Holmes (DB, Jackson State) – New Orleans Saints

Aron Johnson (OL, South Dakota State) – Baltimore Ravens

Brandon Johnson (WR, Central Florida) – Denver Broncos

Deandre Johnson (LB, Miami) – Miami Dolphins

Jahmir Johnson (OL, Texas A&M) – Green Bay Packers

Caleb Jones (OL, Indiana) – Green Bay Packers

Shermari Jones (RB, Coastal Carolina) – Cincinnati Bengals

Kekaula Kaniho (DB, Boise State) – Arizona Cardinals

Cole Kelley (QB, Southeastern Louisiana) – Washington Commanders

Lewis Kidd (OL, Montana State) – New Orleans Saints

Qwuantrezz Knight (DB, UCLA) – San Francisco 49ers

Bryant Koback (RB, Toledo) – Minnesota Vikings

Raheem Layne (DB, Indiana) – Los Angeles Chargers

Taysir Mack (WR, Pittsburgh) – San Francisco 49ers

Tyreek Maddox-Williams (LB, Rutgers) – Los Angeles Chargers

Sean Mahone (DB, West Virginia) – Jacksonville Jaguars

Vavae Malepeai (RB, Southern California) – Denver Broncos

Chauncey Manac (DL, Louisiana-Lafayette) – Green Bay Packers

Zachary McCloud (LB, Miami) – Minnesota Vikings

James McCourt (SPC, Illinois) – Los Angeles Chargers

Lance McCutcheon (WR, Montana State) – Los Angeles Rams

Jalen McKenzie (OL, Southern California) – Tennessee Titans

Zaire Mitchell-Paden (TE, Florida Atlantic) – Cleveland Browns

Damarcus Mitchell (DL, Purdue) – New England Patriots

Grant Morgan (LB, Arkansas) – Jacksonville Jaguars

Arron Mosby (LB, Fresno State) – Carolina Panthers

T.D. Moultry (LB, Auburn) – Pittsburgh Steelers

Segun Olubi (LB, San Diego State) – San Francisco 49ers

Jayden Peevy (DL, Texas A&M) – Tennessee Titans

Roderick Perry (DL, Illinois) – Cleveland Browns

Brandon Peters (QB, Illinois) – Los Angeles Chargers

Kalil Pimpleton (WR, Central Michigan) – Detroit Lions

Isaiah Pryor (LB, Notre Dame) – New Orleans Saints

Joshua Rivas (OL, Kansas State) – New York Giants

Joshua Ross (LB, Michigan) – Baltimore Ravens

Andrew Rupcich (OL, Culver-Stockton) – Tennessee Titans

Braylon Sanders (WR, Ole Miss) – Miami Dolphins

Josh Sills (OL, Oklahoma State) – Philadelphia Eagles

Corey Sutton (WR, Appalachian State) – Detroit Lions

Tre Swilling (DB, Georgia Tech) – Tennessee Titans

Trenton Thompson (DB, San Diego State) – New York Giants

Tariqious Tisdale (DL, Ole Miss) – Cincinnati Bengals

Jake Tonges (TE, Cal) – Chicago Bears

Jordan Tucker (OL, North Carolina) – Pittsburgh Steelers

Zach Vanvalkenburg (DL, Iowa) – Las Vegas Raiders

Isaiah Weston (WR, Northern Iowa) – Cleveland Browns

Benton Whitley (DL, Holy Cross) – Los Angeles Rams

Jarrid Williams (OL, Miami) – Philadelphia Eagles

Eric Wilson (OL, Penn State) – New Orleans Saints

Michael Young (WR, Cincinnati) – Indianapolis Colts

 

We’re incredibly proud of all our alumni for reaching this moment and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve at the next level.

 

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2022 NFL Scouting Combine Testing Results

Below are the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine results for the 23 players that were invited from the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. For the players who participated in the drills, their results are listed, however not every player who was invited participated in every drill.

QUARTERBACK

Cole Kelley

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: N/A
  • Broad: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

RUNNING BACK

Greg Bell

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: 31.00”
  • Broad: 10’0”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: 17 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Max Borghi

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: N/A
  • Broad: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: 20 
  • Shuttle: N/A

WIDE RECEIVER

Dai’Jean Dixon

  • 40: 4.62
  • Vertical: 34.00”
  • Broad: 10’5”
  • 3-Cone: 7.28
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: 4.42

Braylon Sanders

  • 40: 4.48
  • Vertical: 34.50”
  • Broad: 10’1”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Isaiah Weston

  • 40: 4.42
  • Vertical: 40.00”
  • Broad: 11’3”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: 20 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Mike Woods

  • 40: 4.55
  • Vertical: 34.50”
  • Broad: 10’5”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

TIGHT END

Austin Allen

  • 40: 4.83
  • Vertical: 34.00”
  • Broad: 10’1”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: 4.26

Peyton Hendershot

  • 40: 4.80
  • Vertical: 32.50”
  • Broad: 9’9”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: 4.25

Curtis Hodges

  • 40: 4.85
  • Vertical: 34.50”
  • Broad: 9’9”
  • 3-Cone: 7.14
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: 4.28

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Andrew Rupcich

  • 40: 5.31
  • Vertical: 27.50”
  • Broad: 9’0”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Marcus McKethan

  • 40: 5.31
  • Vertical: 27.50”
  • Broad: 9’2”
  • 3-Cone: 7.81
  • Bench Reps: 27
  • Shuttle: 4.99

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Jonathan Ford

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: 29.00”
  • Broad: 8’6”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Jordan Jackson

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: N/A
  • Broad: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Jayden Peevy

  • 40: 5.30
  • Vertical: 27.00”
  • Broad: 8’4”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

LINEBACKER

Jake Hansen

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: N/A
  • Broad: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: 21 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Malcolm Rodriguez

  • 40: 4.52
  • Vertical: 39.50”
  • Broad: 10’0”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Josh Ross

  • 40: 4.79
  • Vertical: 31.00”
  • Broad: 9’1”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Sam Williams

  • 40: 4.46
  • Vertical: 32.50”
  • Broad: 10’3”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A

Tre Williams

  • 40: 5.08
  • Vertical: 26.50”
  • Broad: 8’8”
  • 3-Cone: 7.20
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: 4.24

DEFENSIVE BACK

Markquese Bell

  • 40: 4.41
  • Vertical: 36.50”
  • Broad: 10’3”
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: 4.46

Kolby Harvell-Peel

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: N/A
  • Broad: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: 21 
  • Shuttle: N/A

SPECIALIST

Blake Hayes

  • 40: N/A
  • Vertical: N/A
  • Broad: N/A
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench Reps: N/A 
  • Shuttle: N/A
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23 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Players Invited to 2022 NFL Scouting Combine

The talent at this year’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl caught the eye of many NFL scouts and personnel. Now that the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is returning to its traditional format in Indianapolis, 23 players from this year’s NFLPA Bowl have been invited to participate in the event. Below is the list of players, by position, who have received invites. As remaining invites are sent out, we will continue to update the list.

Quarterback:

  • Cole Kelley / Southeastern Louisiana

Running Back:

  • Greg Bell / San Diego State
  • Max Borghi / Washington State

Wide Receiver:

  • Dai’Jean Dixon / Nicholls State
  • Braylon Sanders / Ole Miss
  • Isaiah Weston / Northern Iowa
  • Mike Woods / Oklahoma

Tight End:

  • Austin Allen / Nebraska
  • Peyton Hendershot / Indiana
  • Curtis Hodges / Arizona State

Offensive Linemen:

  • Andrew Rupcich (OT) / Culver-Stockton
  • Marcus McKethan (OG) / North Carolina

Defensive Linemen:

  • Jonathan Ford (DT) / Miami
  • Jordan Jackson (DE) / Air Force
  • Jayden Peevy (DT) / Texas A&M

Linebackers:

  • Jake Hansen (OLB) / Illinois
  • Malcolm Rodriguez (OLB) / Oklahoma State
  • Josh Ross (ILB) / Michigan
  • Sam Williams (OLB) / Ole Miss
  • Tre Williams (OLB) / Arkansas

Defensive Backs:

  • Markquese Bell (SS) / Florida A&M
  • Kolby Harvell-Peel (SS) / Oklahoma State

Specialists:

  • Blake Hayes (PK) / Illinois
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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Roster

NATIONAL TEAM

AMERICAN TEAM

*Please note that this roster is subject to change and this page will reflect the most up-to-date roster available.

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10th Anniversary Collegiate Bowl Q&A: Darnell Mooney

Back in 2019, as Darnell Mooney waited to see if he’d be invited to a postseason all-star showcase, the-then Tulane receiver remembers thinking, “All I need is an opportunity.”

That lone opportunity came through the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl – and the rest has literally been history. After standing out during the 2020 game at Rose Bowl Stadium and getting drafted with the No. 173 overall pick by the Chicago Bears, Mooney shattered the franchise record for most catches by a rookie wide receiver with 61. His catch total also tied another guy whom you’ve probably heard of for the fourth-most ever by an NFL rookie drafted in the fifth round or later – Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs. Mooney continued his ascent this year, becoming just the 18th Bear to record a 1,000-yard receiving season while evolving into a favorite target for quarterback Justin Fields.

Now as a member of the prestigious Collegiate Bowl 10th Anniversary Team, Mooney recently reflected on his experience and how it helped pave the way for his instant NFL success.

Chicago Bears Darnell Mooney, center, runs with the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

 

What was your initial reaction when you got that invite from the Collegiate Bowl?
Well, it was my only one, so I was pretty excited. For me, it was just another opportunity to put my name out there and showcase my talent.

What was your mindset going into that week?
I wanted to get noticed by scouts and learn about the NFL while I was there, and I definitely did both of those things. I wasn’t used to talking about myself, and it’s still not really my favorite thing [laughs]. I usually let my work on the field do the talking. So having to be vocal and sort of sell myself to the scouts was different. It put me out of my comfort zone, but it also gave me that experience and has helped prepare for me what comes with being at the NFL level.

With former NFL head coaches and Hall of Famers on the coaching staffs, were there any tips or takeaways that stuck with you?
[American Coach] Hue [Jackson] gave us some good insight on how the NFL is and he had us practice and do plays that we would see at the professional level. The receiver coaches were good and pretty funny. Honestly, practices were bigger than the game. You knew you were doing good based on how many people came up to you after practice. And seeing how many scouts were there definitely motivated us all.

Looking back on your experience, how much of a role did the Collegiate Bowl play in where you are now?
I felt like I proved myself and showed that any team drafting me was getting a diamond. After talking with the scouts and getting coached up that week, I felt confident that I’d get drafted; I just didn’t know when or where. It also taught me that I can talk about myself when I have to and also show it on the field. All in all, the experience and sessions help show you that football is a business. You want to have fun while you’re playing, but at the same time, it’s a business, so you have to treat it like that. It taught me how to be comfortable while being uncomfortable and pushed me to accept the challenge in front of me.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game Information

*The 10th Anniversary NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game will be played on January 29th at 3:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET.

*The game will take place at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA and the broadcast will be on NFL Network.

*Marvin Lewis will lead the National Team and Jeff Fisher will lead the American Team.

*Unfortunately, due to the ongoing surge of the Omicron variant in our country, tickets are not available to attend this year’s game in person.

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2022 Collegiate Bowl Coaching Staff

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has always had a rich history of bringing in talented and experienced coaches to guide players through practice week and the game. Below are the coaching staffs of the National and American teams for the 2022 Collegiate Bowl.

 

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10th Anniversary Collegiate Bowl Q&A: Samson Ebukam

Samson Ebukam entered the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with few assumptions and plenty to prove.

So when Ebukam – the same Eastern Washington linebacker whom many had deemed too small – walked through the lobby of the California hotel where he and the Collegiate Bowl players stayed during game week, he figured most pro scouts would not recognize him.

“I’m trying to go back to my room after dinner and I see the hallways filled with scouts,” Ebukam recalled. “I didn’t know if they would talk to me or not, so I just kept walking to my room. But every time, I got stopped by a scout and they started talking, saying they were watching me. So I said, alright bet; I must be some wagyu [steak] if these scouts are talking to me. The exposure was great in building my confidence and stock.”

Three months later, L.A. Rams legend and Collegiate Bowl assistant coach Jackie Slater called Ebukam’s name as the No. 125 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. Now in his first season as a starting defender for playoff bound-San Francisco, Ebukam – who was selected to the Collegiate Bowl 10th anniversary team – recently took time to reflect on his life-changing experience.

What was your initial reaction when you were invited to the Collegiate Bowl?
It was surreal at the moment. Me being from a small school, I didn’t know how big of a step it was until I got there because then I saw every single NFL team that was there. Practice motivated me to push a little harder. Talking to the scouts, they were very high on me, which was kind of surprising because I
didn’t know I was talked about that much. I thought I was under the radar, so my attitude was to make sure I was on my stuff when I got there.

What was it like having Hall of Famers and former NFL stars be the coaches? Was there anything they said that really stuck with you?
At that point, everything they did and said stood out because we didn’t know any better. All of us were just trying to figure it out as we went along. They helped out a lot and showed us how NFL coaches talk at the next level. They talk real direct to you about what need to do, and that kept me on my toes and had me ready once I got to the NFL.

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Samson Ebukam is pictured during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 30-23. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

 

How much did it help competing against some of the country’s other top prospects during that week?
It felt great and you definitely got a lot of exposure. I welcomed the challenge, because every time I’m competing against people that are really good, I always have to do more to make sure I’m sharp, focused, and on point. By the end of the week, I knew I belonged in this league. It really boosted my confidence.

What tips did you take away from the NFLPA University sessions each evening about the business of football?
The money and finances parts really stood out, when it comes to having money and being mindful of the people you surround yourself with to help manage those things. A lot of us grew up in similar situations, not having much money, and a lot of us were about to have quite a bit of money. So we were reminded to make sure your family doesn’t take advantage of you. It helps you realize that you’re the one doing the work; you’re the one putting your body through all of that every day, so you are the one who should reap the most financially and make sure you aren’t being taken advantage of unknowingly. It was really helpful.

Based on your experience, what would you say separates the Collegiate Bowl from other all-star games?
It’s a bigger stage. It’s just that simple. It’s a bigger stage to show what you got. All scouts know about the game; a lot more than East-West [Shrine] game. You get to be on the big stage with the NFLPA having your back. It doesn’t get better than that.

Tune in to watch Samson compete in the NFC Wild Card game on January 16th against the Dallas Cowboys.
And of course, tune in to NFL Network for the 10th edition of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 29 at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Conference Championship Week Watch List Report

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.

 

In their second season under head coach Dave Aranda, Baylor won their first Big12 championship since 2013. Coming into the conference as a defensive coach, some had raised their eyebrows and questioned if Aranda could be successful. On Saturday, it was the Bears’ defensive performance that saw them hold off an Oklahoma State team that was mounting a comeback after Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen suffered an injury.

While he was not the one who made the fourth down stop, it was Jalen Pitre playing another outstanding game. The defensive back was all over the field, embodying what Aranda’s defense is all about: instincts, discipline, physicality and versatility. Pitre recorded seven tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage. Furthermore, he deflected two passes. The Texas native was the only player sticking to their commitment to Baylor in wake of the horrendous scandal in 2016. After joining the program at its lowest point, Pitre can now leave as a champion.

When the Pittsburgh Panthers announced in 2011 that they would join the ACC, few expected that they would compete for the conference championship. On Saturday night they did just that, as their defense shut out the high-flying Wake Forest passing attack through the final three quarters. The defense had always been the Panthers calling card since Pat Narduzzi took over as head coach in 2015, after previously serving as defensive coordinator for Michigan State.

But it was the offense for so many years that prevented them from getting over the hump. This year that changed, as quarterback Kenny Pickett was finally healthy and had the pieces around him to dominate in his fourth year as the starter. In the ACC championship game, he not only showed off his precision passing and sound decision-making but also had an exciting touchdown run, including a fake slide.

Finishing the season at 12-1 including a Sun Belt Championship wraps up another impressive regular season for the Louisiana football program. The Ragin’ Cajuns grabbed an early lead over Appalachian State in the first half and relied on their defense to close it out, winning 16-24. Senior outside linebacker Chauncey Manac was a big part of this, as he has been all season.

Finishing the game with six tackles, two and a half for loss, including a strip-sack as well as a fumble recovery, he was truly everywhere at Cajun Field. The strip-sack was crucial as Appalachian State was still within a shot of tying the game when Manac’s clutch play effectively ended the contest.


 

*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 Ric Serritella and Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!

 

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Conference Championship Week

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discusses some of the marquee matchups for college football in conference championship week, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella and Lorenz Leinweber during ‘The State of Football’ show on Sports Illustrated.


Below are some of the highly contested games that NFL scouts will be sure to pay close attention to this weekend:


Featured Game: Western Kentucky at UTSA, Friday, December 3rd, 7:00 pm

Two very successful programs will face off in the Alamodome on Friday night, in order to determine the Conference USA championship. UTSA had their miraculous season interrupted last week, as they lost against North Texas for their first loss of the season. To bounce back, the Roadrunners will look to rally around athletically gifted cornerback Tariq Woolen, as they look to slow down Western Kentucky’s explosive offense. Quarterback Bailey Zappe leads the country in passing yards and passing touchdowns.


Featured Game: #9 Baylor vs #5 Oklahoma State, Saturday, December 4th, 12:00 pm

Both teams competing in the Big12 championship game have exceeded expectations being ranked in the top ten this late in the season. In his second year at the helm, head coach Dave Aranda has built a squad that wins by running the ball and playing tough defense. Oklahoma State will have to stop the two-headed Baylor rushing attack in the form of Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner. When the Cowboys are on offense at AT&T Stadium, they are going to see plenty of Jalen Pitre, who is an instinctive defensive back who is always around the football.


 Featured Game: #21 Houston at #4 Cincinnati, Saturday, December 4th, 4:00 pm

Playoff hopes are on the line for this one, as the Cincinnati Bearcats look to make history and claim a spot as the first non power five team in the eight-year history of the playoff format. They will be led by quarterback Desmond Ridder, who is a strong-armed passer with outstanding leadership. His favorite target Alec Pierce has finally been healthy and able to show how dominant he can be all season. To slow them down, the Houston Cougars have to rely on their playmakers at cornerback. Damarion Williams and Marcus Jones need to prevail or Houston will have a problem.

 

*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 Ric Serritella and Lorenz Leinweber on Sports Illustrated!

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