It’s the first day of college bowl season, and we’re spoiled with a full slate of games, from Noon until the 9:00pm east coast start of the New Orleans Bowl. While only three of the games excite me as an evaluator (Celebration, Las Vegas, and Camellia Bowl), it’s important to recognize the value of bowl games, their place in the draft process, and the celebration/finality of these seniors final performances at the college level.
By: Eric Galko
CELEBRATION BOWL – Grambling State vs. North Carolina Central (12pm)
Grambling State
Chad Williams, WR, 6’1, 199 #10
One of the country’s best FCS receivers, Williams has been tremendous in his senior season, with 90 receptions, awesome after-catch running ability and the type of route finishing ability to secure separation and win against all types of coverage. Williams has the best chance of any player in this game to be drafted. His in-air ability and turn-and-run burst is what is most impressive.
Other Players to Watch
Dominique Leake, WR, 5’9, 173, #8 (HBCU All-Star Game attendee)
Verlan Hunter, WR, 6’1, 206, #2 (HBCU All-Star Game attendee)
Guy Stallworth, S, 6’1, 195, #29
Arkez Cooper, OLB, 6’2, 235 #54
NC Central
Malcolm Bell, QB, 5’11, 192, #15
Bell is the team’s leading rusher and passer, and has guided this team to an undefeated MEAC season and a berth in the Celebration Bowl without another standout player on offense. While he’ll likely have to change positions at the NFL level (height and hand size not on NFL radars), he could certainly be in consideration for CFL quarterback play or potentially as an NFL running back/receiver should he test well. In this game, however, Bell will need to once against put up an impressive performance as a substantial underdog in this game.
Other Players to Watch
-LaVontis Smith, WR, 5’9, 170 #4
-Quinton Atkinson, WR, 6’1, 201, #3
-Michael Jones, CB, 5’9, 185, #1
-Fredrick Henry-Ajudua, 6’2, 245 #58
NEW MEXICO BOWL – New Mexico vs. UTSA (2pm)
New Mexico
Teriyon Gipson, RB 5’8, 182, #7
The team’s leading rusher in their run-heavy attack, Gipson’s last game of the regular season against Wyoming had him rush for 217 yards on just 13 carries. His diminutive size certainly doesn’t help his NFL future, but he’s shown plus acceleration and patience in letting the hole develop. He leads a three-headed rushing attack that should be able to produce against UTSA, but he’s. likely not an NFL player outside of a training camp invite
UTSA
Jarveon Williams, RB, 5’9, 198, #2
Similar to Gipson, Williams is an undersized running back who’s the leader of a run-heavy offense at UTSA. He was the school’s first 1,000-yard rusher a year ago but saw his market-share of touches drop thanks to the rise of sophomore runner Jalen Rhodes. Williams is very capable out of the backfield and has quick twitch elusiveness in space. He’s produced ten plays of 20 yards or more this season and four plays of 40 yards or more. He’s bound to do it once against New Mexico.
LAS VEGAS BOWL – Houston vs. San Diego State (3:30pm)
Houston
Greg Ward, QB/WR, 5’10, 182, #1
The quarterback has been efficient and placing balls consistently well on the perimeter this season, but his time as a passer may end after this game if he hopes to play in the NFL. His hand size fits the requirements (just under 10 inches), but his velocity in the middle of the field and better value as a receiver likely will have teams advocating for him to make the position switch for the all-star circuit. He’s already begun to draw Vernon Adams comparisons as an undersized passer who needs a chance, but he doesn’t have the creative elusiveness, downfield arm talent, or perimeter finishing ability Adams did.
Tyus Bowser, DE, 6’2, 244, #82
Explosive off the perimeter, Bowser is the Cougars best NFL draft prospect and should translate easily to a 3-4 outside linebacker role in the NFL. He plays with plus control away from his frame and wins the hand fighting battle frequently at the line of scrimmage, generating force as he works through the pocket. Best as a bending edge player who can sit and work in space as a linebacker, Bowser’s explosiveness and change of direction skills should be on display against Donnell Pumphrey.
Steven Taylor, LB, 6’1, 221, #41
The defensive leader and the biggest recipient of freshmna phenom Ed Oliver’s play in front of him, Taylor’s range, willingness to engage on the interior and finsihing ability as a tackler has been impressive this year. his ability to sink, connect with blockers and maintain vision of the running back has been impressive this year, as has his coverage range, but he’ll be put to the test against Pumphrey today.
Others to Watch
-Steven Dunbar, WR, 6’4, 220#88 (JR)
-Brandon Wilson, CB, 5’10, 197, #26
-Howard Wilson, CB, 6’1, 185 #6 (RS Soph)
-Bryan Singleton, DT, 6’3, 305, #93
-Cameron Malveaux, DE, 6’5, 277, #94
-Chance Allen, WR, 6’1, 202, #21
-Tyler McCloskey, FB/TE, 6’1, 247, #45
San Diego State
Donnell Pumphrey, RB, 5’8, 166 #19
One of the most productive running backs in college football history, Pumphrey’s NFL project is far from obvious. At just 166 (and likely not getting higher than 175 without substantially losing weight), he’s aiming for a Darren Sproles comparison, and his receiving skills could eventually get there. However, his best case scenario as a draft pick may be his DeAnthony Thomas comparison, but he’ll need to run in the low 4.4s to get picked in the top-four rounds.
Nico Siragusa, OG, 6’4, 326, #56
Despite hailing from San Diego State, Nico has emerged as one of the best senior guard in the country, with a nastiness downfield and able to finish away from his frame with a wide base. He’s been one of the catalysts for Pumphrey’s success, and his play at the second level for a 326-pound lineman has been most impressive. If he can impress against the Houston defensive line, the best he’ll play in his entire college career, he could be one of the first guard prospects taken in the 2017 draft.
Damontae Kazee, CB, 5’10, 181 #23
Quietly one of the best cornerbacks in the country, Kazee possesses great hip turn and explosiveness in his breaks. He’s consistently finishing at the catch point while remaining physical throughout the receiver’s route, and his tackling as a run defender as impressive as any cornerback in the country. He’ll have his hands full today with Steven Dunbar as the type of taller, physical receiver NFL scouts want to see Kazee matched up with. Kazee could be a top-three round pick.
Others to Watch
-Malik Smith S, 6’0, 183, #12
-Calvin Munson, LB, 6’1, 239, #54
-Daniel Bruskill, TE, 6’5, 257, #89
CAMELLIA BOWL – Appalachian State vs. Toledo (5:30pm)
Appalachian State
Keenan Gilchrist, LB, 6’1, 218, #6
While he may not be built the part of an ideal NFL linebacker, Gilchrist has been highly active and explosive this season, and his production over the last two years has put him on NFL radars. Collins, Gray and Fernandez have more NFL interest, but Gilchrist should have a major impact on the game and in stopping Toledo’s Kareem Humt.
Others to Watch
-Parker Collins, OG, 6’2, 290, #75
-Paul Gray, S, 6’2, 222, #6
-Marcus Cox, RB, 5’10, 199 #14
-Tyson Fernandez, DT, 6’1, 330, #72
Toledo
Kareem Hunt, RB, 5’10, 237, #3
A patient, physical and controlled bowling ball style runner, Hunt is bound to become part of the mid-round running back instant-starter discussion that happens each year. His comparison to Zac Stacy, former fifth-round running back who quickly become an NFL starter, is actually on point, as Hunt possesses similar compact running abilities and decisive feet up and through the hole. Hunt is surprisingly elusive and short-area athletic than he may be given credit for, and his ability to elude on the perimeter at the second level is what should make him a potential instant impact at the NFL level.
Michael Roberts, TE, 6’4, 271, #80
Roberts has been one of the most productive tight ends in the country, and finished with a position-leading 15 receiving touchdowns this year. With almost 34 inch arms and 11+inch hands, coupled with sub-5.00 speed for a 271 athlete, Roberts should be a NFL Combine standout, and his athleticism in the redzone certainly vindicates his projected athletic testing numbers.
Others to Watch
-Treyvon Hester, DT, 6’2, 312 #91
-Dejuan Rogers, S, 5’11, 189, #23
-Storm Norton, OT, 6’8, 305, #74
CURE BOWL – UCF vs. Arkansas State (5:30pm)
UCF
Shaq Griffin, CB, 5’11, 195, #1
The team’s feature cornerback has been a staple of the defense the last two years, though it’s been his twin brother Shaquem that has emerged as the standout despite being born without a left hand. Shaquille offers plus speed and the hip fluidity to turn vertically, but struggles with more physical receivers and can give up underneath routes too easily. His ability as a tackler will especially be tested against Arkansas State
Others to Watch
-Shaquem Griffin, LB, 6’1, 213 #18 (JR)
-Errol Clarke, LB, 6’2, 230, #51
-Drico Johnson, S, 6’1, 212, #21
Arkansas State
Xavier Woodson-Luster, LB, 6’0, 210 #55
A three-year starter and a highly reliable tackler, Woodson-Luster has consistently produced and been a leader inside for Arkansas State, but his lack of great length or bulk will push him to safety in the NFL and he hasn’t shown great coverage skills. Still, his activeness and impressive tackle finishing make him a fun watch on the field and maybe give an NFL team optimism about his transition.
Others to Watch
-Waylon Roberson, DT, 6’1, 335 #94
NEW ORLEANS BOWL – Southern Miss vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (9:00pm)
Southern Miss
Nick Mullens, QB, 6’1, 199, #9
In the mix for the sixth and final Shrine Game spot (along with Tulsa’s Dane Evans and Boston College’s Patrick Towles), Mullens’ career as the Southern Miss as a four-year starter has been impressive, especially in his increased velocity over his career. Mullens doesn’t have ideal measuables (9 /18 inch hands, just barely 6’1) but he’s developed substantially over his career at Southern Miss and has the requisite arm talent for an NFL opportunity. He should thoroughly impress against Lafayette and earn a Shrine Game invite.
Others to Watch
-D’Nerius Antonie, S, 5’11, 219 #12
-Cameron Tom, OC, 6’4, 291 #70
UL Layafatette
Elijah McGuire, RB, 5’9, 204, #15
A three-year 1,000 yard running back, McGuire’s elite acceleration, speed control and elusiveness shows up in his most NFL-ready skill set: pass catching. He’ll finish his college career with over 130 receptions, which is a very high number for a college running back, and his lateral quickness and burst upfield is conducive to his success there. His sub-9 inch hands may be an issue for NFL teams, but shouldn’t be an issue against Southern Miss.
Others to Watch
-Savion Brown, CB, 6’0, 205, #6
-Otha Peters, LB, 6’1, 228, #7
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