One 2024 NFL Draft prospect to watch on each college football bowl team

Editor’s note: This article will be updated throughout bowl season, ahead of each day’s games.

It’s bowl season!

To supplement all your football watching over the next month, we will highlight one key NFL prospect to watch for all 80 non-playoff bowl teams.

Note: All times Eastern.

Friday, Dec. 29

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Noon, ESPN): Clemson vs. Kentucky

Clemson was hit by several opt-outs and transfers, but RB Will Shipley is planning to play (scouts expect it to be his final game before he declares for the NFL). He isn’t a home-run hitter but offers a well-balanced mix of athleticism and physicality. More importantly, Shipley is well-liked by scouts, because of what he offers on passing downs as both a dynamic screen target and a blocker who can remove rushers from their feet.

This will be a good game to watch if your team needs a mid-round running back, because Kentucky RB Ray Davis deserves your attention, as well. Aside from having a wild journey to get this far, he has boosted his draft stock all season, including a career-best performance vs. Florida — maybe the best running back tape in this cycle. Davis runs with quick, controlled feet and the vision to see a few moves ahead.

.@Ray_Davis07 takes it 37-yards for the go ahead TOUCHDOWN. pic.twitter.com/aiADQwfiE2

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 25, 2023

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl (2 p.m., CBS): Oregon State vs. Notre Dame

With Oregon State’s top prospect (RT Taliese Fuaga) opting out, S Kitan Oladapo (6-2, 214) is the prospect I’m most interested to see. He is one of the better run-defending safeties in the 2024 draft class but also can make plays in coverage (see: his Stanford tape). Oladapo is a former cornerback and does a great job reading route combinations to aggressively attack plays.

Notre Dame is also dealing with plenty of opt-outs (QB Sam Hartman, RB Audric Estime, etc.), but edge Javontae Jean-Baptiste (6-5, 250) will try to  take advantage of the opportunity. The Ohio State transfer wasn’t dominant in 2023, but he was a solid starter for the Irish, making plays against both the pass and run. Jean-Baptiste plays hard and has enough upfield quickness and pursuit speed to be a rotational player in the NFL.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl (3:30 p.m., ESPN): Memphis vs. Iowa State

A transfer from Old Dominion, RB Blake Watson (5-10, 198) was one of only two FBS running backs this season to reach 1,000 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns despite having fewer than 180 carries. A quick-footed athlete, Watson has the patience to set up his blocks and the sharp cutting skills to create for himself. He is also one of only two running backs with 50-plus catches in 2023 (Oregon’s Bucky Irving is the other), and his pass-catching skills will help his chances of becoming an NFL change-of-pace option.

One of the better senior cornerbacks in this draft class, Iowa State’s T.J. Tampa (6-1, 198) has several traits that will translate well to the pro game. With his size and length (32 1/2-inch arms), Tampa has terrific speed and lower-body explosion — which isn’t a surprise considering he comes from a basketball family. He is instinctive, especially in zone, and plays with physicality downhill versus the run. I’ve heard grades on Tampa from NFL scouts ranging anywhere between the second and fourth rounds.

GO DEEPER

Ten NFL Draft prospects to watch in bowl games: J.J. McCarthy’s big opportunity

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (8 p.m., ESPN): Missouri vs. Ohio State

My favorite matchup of the non-playoff games will be when Ohio State CB Denzel Burke (6-1, 190) lines up against sophomore WR Luther Burden III, who is a projected first-rounder for the 2025 draft class. Burke is quick to read and drive on throws in front of him, and he’s also able to flip and cover deep. Considered a potential top-50 draft pick, Burke has yet to announce if he will declare or return to Columbus for his senior season.

Missouri has a pair of interesting cornerback prospects: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (6-0, 175) and Kris Abrams-Draine (5-11, 175), although Rakestraw will miss the game because of injury. The NFL grades on both players are in the third-to-fifth-round range, and neither has ideal size or elite speed. Abrams-Draine has a knack for timing and disrupting the catch point.

Editor’s note: The following bowl games have been completed.

Thursday, Dec. 28

Wasabi Fenway Bowl (11 a.m., ESPN): SMU vs. Boston College

After five seasons at Miami, DT Jordan Miller (6-2, 309) transferred to SMU and has helped the program to 11 wins this season. The Mustangs brought Miller over to help stop the run, and that’s exactly what he’s done — SMU has improved from 119th in the country in run defense last season to 18th in 2023. Miller has the short-area footwork and point-of-attack leverage to hold his ground.

Boston College’s top two prospects in this class are RG Christian Mahogany and CB Elijah Jones, but scouts don’t expect to see either in this game. So LG Kyle Hergel (6-2, 316) could draw some attention. After starting his college career at North Dakota, then transferring to Texas State, Hergel moved again and has started all 12 games at left guard for Boston College this season. He doesn’t stand out in any one area, but he is well-rounded with enough quickness and power to compete for an NFL roster spot in the summer.

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl (2:15 p.m., ESPN): Rutgers vs. Miami

With CB Max Melton unlikely to play and several seniors returning to Rutgers for 2024, there aren’t many Scarlet Knights prospects to watch in this year’s class. WR JaQuae Jackson (6-1, 181) could be on some radars, though. With 22 catches for 361 yards and one touchdown in 2023, Jackson’s production doesn’t jump out, but the former Division II All-American has the speed and athletic traits that will get him noticed throughout the draft process.

The second-leading receiver in the ACC this season, Miami WR Xavier Restrepo (5-10, 195) needs just five catches in this game to set a new single-season school record. Though undersized with average speed, Restrepo uses pace and route instincts to create passing windows for the quarterback. His catch-point skills are what will give him a chance to stick in the NFL, as he shows the focus and body control to finish consistently.

Pop-Tarts Bowl (5:45 p.m., ESPN) NC State vs. Kansas State

A four-year starter, LG Cooper Beebe (6-3, 331) is “Mr. Kansas State,” so there was never a chance of him opting out of one last chance to suit up with his teammates. Despite his lack of length, Beebe plays wide and controlled to gain proper position and sit down in pass protection. He has logged snaps at every offensive line position other than center and projects as a high-floor NFL prospect.

NC State has a few notable NFL prospects on its offensive line as well, including center Dylan McMahon (6-3, 295), who has experience at all three interior line spots. Consistency has been somewhat of an issue for him this season — for the good, see his Marshall tape; for the bad, see his Notre Dame tape. However, McMahon is a solid athlete with the mirror quickness and recovery skills to hold his own in pass protection.

Valero Alamo Bowl (9:15 p.m., ESPN): Arizona vs. Oklahoma

A speedy, undersized prospect, Arizona WR Jacob Cowing (5-8, 157) might receive the Tank Dell bump this draft season and get into the top-100 range. The team’s leading receiver, Cowing is a track athlete who can avoid press and shift gears mid-route to create pockets of separation out of his breaks. Cowing is more of an underneath target (he’s averaging 8.4 yards per catch in 2023), although I expected to see more missed tackles on his tape.

The Oklahoma offensive line will be missing its top two NFL prospects: future first-rounder Tyler Guyton and potential mid-round center Andrew Raym. However, LT Walter Rouse (6-6, 315) will try to put one more strong performance on tape. The Stanford transfer was graded as a free-agent prospect over the summer by scouts, but he moved to Norman for the 2023 season and has helped his chances of sneaking into the late rounds.

Wednesday, Dec. 27

Military Bowl (2 p.m., ESPN): Virginia Tech vs. Tulane

Virginia Tech might have several future draft picks on its roster (including a few in the wide receiver room alone). I’m not sure any of them will be in the 2024 NFL Draft, although LB Alan Tisdale (6-1, 227) has a fighting chance. Now in his fourth season as a starter, the Greensboro, N.C. native is an average size/speed athlete, but he is a smart, disciplined player who squares and finishes as a tackler.

Tulane has been decimated by opt-outs, including several draftable players like QB Michael Pratt and WR Jha’Quan Jackson. One player who’s expected to suit up, though, is LSU transfer Cameron Wire (6-5, 298), a left tackle who spent five seasons in Baton Rouge before moving to Tulane for the 2023 season. He has workable length and flashes explosion out of his stance that allows him to get into proper position. Wire is the type of talent worth inviting to an NFL camp to see if he can be anything.

GO DEEPER

2024 NFL Draft order projections: Commanders keep tanking, Vikings drop into top 10

Duke’s Mayo Bowl (5:30 p.m., ESPN): North Carolina vs. West Virginia

I don’t think anyone expected QB Drake Maye to play in this game, but the Tar Heels also will be down a few borderline top-100 picks — WR Devontez Walker and LB Cedric Gray, among others, opted out. DT Myles Murphy (6-5, 308), however, hasn’t missed a game during his four seasons in Chapel Hill and wasn’t about to start now. He isn’t the most technically proficient, but Murphy moves well for his size with the length and pop at contact worth drafting on Day 3 and developing.

West Virginia lost its top NFL prospect, Zach Frazier, to a leg injury in the season finale, but CB Beanie Bishop Jr. (5-10, 180) will be on the field. The nation’s leader in passes defended (24), Bishop played four seasons at Western Kentucky, spent 2022 at Minnesota and now is having a career year for the Mountaineers. Despite being undersized, his speed and cover instincts will give him a chance to be drafted on Day 3.

DirecTV Holiday Bowl (8 p.m., FOX): Louisville vs. USC

As expected, USC QB Caleb Williams has played his final college game. And on top of being down the potential No. 1 pick, USC also will be without several key offensive playmakers (and likely early draft picks in April), including RB MarShawn Lloyd and WR Brenden Rice. But one of the few bright spots on the Trojans’ defense this season has been free safety Calen Bullock (6-2, 195), who’s expected to play Wednesday. A true centerfield prospect, Bullock can make plays on the backend, match inside verticals and show off his range from different alignments.

.@CalenBullock to the house!

📺: @CFBonFOX pic.twitter.com/hZ15LF1s1m

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) October 22, 2023

Louisville will be without several key offensive weapons, too, like RB Jawhar Jordan and WR Jamari Thrash. The Cardinals do have a talented defensive back worth watching, however: CB Quincy Riley (5-11, 182), a Middle Tennessee transfer who can fly (100-meter state champion in high school) and has the nimble feet to stay attached mid-route. He can transition with his feet, rather than his hands, and takes advantage of mistakes thrown his way. Riley is one of the more underrated senior corners in this draft class.

TaxAct Texas Bowl (9 p.m., ESPN): Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State

Most of Texas A&M’s key 2024 draft prospects won’t be playing, either due to opt-out or injury. One who will is five-year starter Demani Richardson (6-1, 214), the Van Wilder of the Aggies’ defensive backs with 55 starts in College Station. Well-built and physical, he is a force working top-down with the strike skills to secure and finish tackles. Richardson can be drawn out of position by the offense, but he shows NFL traits when he stays disciplined.

After five years at Tulsa, DE Anthony Goodlow (6-4, 281) transferred to Oklahoma State for his final season in 2023 and has proven to be a dependable player, especially against the run. He isn’t explosive and is more of a tweener on the defensive line, but Goodlow plays stout at the point of attack with the lateral quickness and ball instincts to defend multiple gaps. He is projected to be an undrafted free agent.

Tuesday, Dec. 26

Quick Lane Bowl (2 p.m., ESPN): Bowling Green vs. Minnesota

Bowling Green boasted one of the more underrated prospects in last year’s class, Karl Brooks, but its senior class this year is pretty light in terms of potential NFL talent. LB Darren Anders (5-11, 228) has an average size/speed profile that will disqualify him for several teams, but he consistently showed up on tape and the stat sheet. The team leader in tackles (82) and tackles for loss (10.5), Anders fills with physicality and a radar for the football.

For Minnesota, if S Tyler Nubin (6-2, 206) plays, there will be no debate about the best NFL prospect in this game. The fifth-year senior is a well-balanced defender who can align near the box or as a single-high safety and make plays on the ball. Nubin was considered a potential Day 2 draft pick last year, but he returned for the 2023 season and might be the favorite to be the first safety selected in April.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl (5:30 p.m., ESPN): Texas State vs. Rice

The son of Ed and brother of Christian, Rice WR Luke McCaffrey (6-2, 200) is the youngest of the McCaffrey clan. He was primarily a quarterback his first three college seasons — initially at Nebraska, then for the Owls. McCaffery is outstanding on contested throws, which is a double-edged sword, because he is a strong finisher through contact but doesn’t create a ton of separation. His performance in the regular-season finale (12 catches for 141 yards) helped Rice secure bowl eligibility for the first time in almost a decade.

That’s the 10th TD of the season for @mccaffrey_luke, and 16th of his career! 💪 pic.twitter.com/RCeIPSKrvn

— Rice Football (@RiceFootball) November 12, 2023

The top cover defender for Texas State is probably its top prospect, too. CB Kaleb Ford-Dement (5-11, 192) has played a lot of college football, initially at Kilgore (Texas) College, then at Washington State before transferring to Texas State for 2023. He’s had some tough moments (see: the opener vs. Baylor) but also has made several plays and leads the team in passes defended (nine) and interceptions (two).

Guaranteed Rate Bowl (9 p.m., ESPN): Kansas vs. UNLV

This draft class desperately needs a few safeties to emerge during the process, and Kansas’ Kenny Logan Jr. (5-11, 214) is a candidate to be one. Not only is he finishing his fourth year as a starter, Logan has led the Jayhawks in tackles all four seasons. Despite some missteps in coverage, he has shown key improvements from his junior tape.

Another safety to watch in this game is UNLV’s Jaxen Turner (6-0, 199), who started his college career at Arizona before transferring to the Rebels for his final college season. His tape is littered with missed tackles and lapses in coverage, but the roller-coaster performance also includes some highlights, including six forced turnovers (four interceptions, two forced fumbles) this season. He is a priority-free-agent prospect looking to prove himself.

Saturday, Dec. 23

Birmingham Bowl (Noon, ABC): Troy vs. Duke

The FBS leader in sacks, edge Javon Solomon (6-foot-2, 240 pounds) is undersized and won’t be a fit for every scheme at the next level. But Solomon, who recently accepted his Senior Bowl invite, does a great job maneuvering his body with eager hands to get around blockers. His 16.0 sacks this season set a Sun Belt Conference record. He also tied Osi Umenyiora’s single-game school record with 4.0 sacks earlier this season.

The @seniorbowl is looking live at Troy vs. South Alabama. @TroyTrojansFB EDGE Javon Solomon is bit of a ‘tweener for next level but we’ve spoken to many NFL scouts that have draftable grades on him (and so do we). Plays mostly 4i-tech for Trojans but will be standup player on… pic.twitter.com/x2uUs0b0ef

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) November 3, 2023

With Duke LT Graham Barton headed to the NFL and QB Riley Leonard and DE R.J. Oben now at Notre Dame, the eyes of scouts will be focused on DT DeWayne Carter (6-3, 309). His stats aren’t all that impressive this season (39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack), but his tape (especially against Notre Dame) shows a player who uses his 34-inch arms to disrupt the pocket in different ways.

Camellia Bowl (Noon, ESPN): Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois

Arkansas State hasn’t produced a draft pick in almost a decade, and the program is not expected to be represented in the 2024 NFL Draft class. That said, edge Thurman Geathers (6-3, 230) has a chance to get noticed once he’s in an NFL camp. A transfer from Louisville, Geathers has just 3.5 sacks this season, but you saw No. 92 creating disruption in the pocket any time you put on the Arkansas State tape.

Now in his seventh season in college, Northern Illinois QB Rocky Lombardi hasn’t had the 2023 he needed to potentially be a late-round draft pick (his medicals also likely will be an issue). But the Michigan State transfer is well-built (6-4, 225) with enough mobility and admirable toughness to earn him looks by NFL teams.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (3:30 p.m., ABC): James Madison vs. Air Force

Before this season, James Madison edge Jalen Green (6-1, 243) hadn’t put much on tape for scouts. But that all changed with his All-America 2023 performance (21.0 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in 12 games). Green doesn’t have the desired measureables for the position at the next level, but all 32 teams now know who he is, which gives him a chance.

Air Force safety Trey Taylor (6-1, 208) had mostly “priority free agent” draft grades from NFL teams coming into the season. Like Green, though, his 2023 tape elevated his stock, and it might put him into draftable territory. Recently named the Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s top defensive back, Taylor has 71 tackles and three interceptions this season. He features the size and anticipation to make plays versus the pass and run.

“I’ll be taking that” – Trey Taylor (probably) pic.twitter.com/eVTEOxpHnN

— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) November 18, 2023

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (3:30 p.m., ESPN): Georgia State vs. Utah State

Georgia State has produced just three draft picks in school history. If the program is to have a fourth in April, LT Travis Glover (6-6, 330) probably has the best chance. Now in his fifth season as a starter (playing both left and right tackle), Glover has projectable size (6-6 and 330 pounds with 34 1/2-inch arms), and his raw power gives him a chance to stick as a developmental lineman.

A tackling machine, Utah State LB MJ Tafisi Jr.(6-0, 242) ranks in the top 10 in the nation with 131 tackles. After starting his career at Washington and then battling injuries last season with the Aggies, he has stayed healthy in 2023 and made plays all over the field. Scouts aren’t convinced Tafisi has NFL speed, but his instincts and toughness give him a chance to earn his keep in an NFL training camp.

68 Ventures Bowl (7 p.m., ESPN): South Alabama vs. Eastern Michigan

The son of longtime NFL defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, South Alabama QB Carter Bradley (6-3, 217) has produced up-and-down film this season, but several scouts are still optimistic for his chances at the next level. A pro-style passer, Bradley has enough arm strength and rhythm to play on time, although he must do a better job navigating pressure and taking care of the football.

Carter Bradley ➡️ Jamaal Pritchett = another TD ‼️#LEO pic.twitter.com/mrsD6F6TtM

— South Alabama Football 🏈 (@SouthAlabamaFB) November 11, 2023

Eastern Michigan had a pair of draft picks last year (Sidy Sow and Jose Ramirez), but scouts don’t expect the school to produce a draft selection in 2024 class. The productive linebacker tandem of LB Chase Kline (bowl opt-out) and LB Joe Sparacio might be Eastern Michigan’s top two prospects. Sparacio doesn’t have desired size (5-10, 213) or speed, but his football smarts and special-teams potential will endear him to pro coaches.

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (7:30 p.m., ABC): Utah vs. Northwestern

After starting at right guard, Utah OT/G Sataoa Laumea (6-4, 321) kicked out to right tackle, where he was been starting the last two seasons. He is quick out of his stance and shows a sharp punch in pass protection to keep rushers occupied. Laumea, who has accepted his Senior Bowl invitation, has been more consistent in the run game this season, using his physical hands to create movement. Right now, he is considered a Day 3 prospect.

From Cincinnati to Eastern Michigan, back to Cincinnati and then to Northwestern, QB Ben Bryant (6-4, 215) has been well-traveled over the last six seasons. His high points this year (his Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois tapes) have been a reminder why some NFL scouts believe Bryant can be a late-round pick with functional mobility and timing as a passer.

EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl (10:30 p.m., ESPN): Coastal Carolina vs. San Jose State

The all-time leading receiver in Sun Belt history, Coastal Carolina’s Sam Pinckney (6-3, 219) has caught a pass in 57 straight games — something no one else has accomplished in NCAA history. He might not be a burner, but he uses his frame well at the catch point with strong hands and natural adjustment skills. There is nuance to Pinckney’s game that should translate well to the NFL.

San Jose State QB Chevan Cordeiro (6-0, 186) returns home to Hawaii for his final college game. He held his own against USC earlier this season (three touchdown passes) and finished the season by leading the Spartans on a six-game win streak. His lack of size is an obvious concern, and he doesn’t always drive the football. With his toughness and the way he keeps plays alive, though, Cordeiro might be this year’s version of Tyler Huntley as a prospect.

Chevan Cordeiro to Dominick Mazotti for 6!!

Spartans tie the game 7-7 with 14:19 remaining in the opening half.

Watch live on @cbssportsnet.#ClimbTheMountain | #AllSpartans pic.twitter.com/YscZ8OlLU5

— San José State Football (@SanJoseStateFB) November 19, 2023

Friday, Dec. 22

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl (6:30 p.m., ESPN): Georgia Tech vs. UCF

An Atlanta native, DB Myles Sims (6-3, 182) started out at Michigan before transferring back home to Georgia Tech. He’s made steady improvements each season. His 2023 tape shows a player who walks the fine line between being aggressive yet disciplined to read his keys and attach himself to routes. Most scouts project Sims, a college corner, at safety because of his physicality.

Sims will be tasked with slowing down UCF WR Javon Baker (6-2, 199), one of the better big-play threats in college football (18 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2023). The Alabama transfer ranks top three in the FBS in yards per catch (22.5) with 83.7 percent of his receptions resulting in a first down or touchdown. The drops can be frustrating, but he has separation skills and tracks the ball well downfield. Baker has draftable grades from several NFL teams.

Thursday, Dec. 21

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl (8 p.m., ESPN): South Florida vs. Syracuse

Few prospects in the 2024 draft class have the experience of South Florida LT Donovan Jennings (6-4, 330), who is finishing his sixth year as the Bulls’ starting left tackle. His short arms (32 1/2 inches) likely will force him inside to guard in the NFL, but he has the hip flexibility and reaction quickness to stay square as a pass protector and run blocker. Jennings is a borderline draft pick.

A transfer from Dartmouth, CB Isaiah Johnson (6-3, 205) has played well the last two seasons at Syracuse. With his large frame and long arms, his size is the top selling point for teams at the next level. His body tightness shows with quick transitions, but he has terrific drive quickness and is one of the better run-defending corners in the class. Johnson will need the right fit to stick in the NFL.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl (9 p.m., ESPN): UTSA vs. Marshall

Last season, UTSA had one of the best wide receiver prospect trios in the country. They lost De’Corian Clark (major injury) and Zakhari Franklin (transfer) from that group, but Joshua Cephus (6 feet 2, 187 pounds) returned and posted 82 catches for 1,049 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season. A good-sized athlete who catches almost everything (one drop on 111 targets in 2023), Cephus is considered a potential late-rounder.

Marshall RB Rasheen Ali (5-11, 203) put his name on the NFL map with a breakout 2021 season. After missing most of last season because of a knee injury, he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards again this year and is expected to be a Day 3 pick. Ali has terrific plant-and-go quickness to explode out of his cuts and pick up chunk yards as both a rusher and receiver.

GO DEEPER

2024 NFL Draft consensus Big Board: Is Marvin Harrison Jr. this year’s top prospect?

Monday, Dec. 18

Famous Toastery Bowl (2:30 p.m., ESPN): Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion

Every draft cycle, there is at least one wide receiver labeled the “next Deebo Samuel,” and the distinction this year belongs to Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley (5 feet 11, 211 pounds). Unlike most years, the 2024 version of that comparison feels justified, in terms of both play style and skill set. Corley has wide receiver speed but looks like a dynamic running back after the catch, as he breaks tackles with physicality and quickness (averaging 9.4 yards after catch per reception over the last two seasons).

𝑾𝑲𝑼 𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑬 𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑹𝑬𝑪𝑬𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑹

Malachi Corley passes Taywan Taylor for the most receptions in WKU Football program history!#GoTops pic.twitter.com/CUXSkrNYWr

— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) November 25, 2023

Old Dominion’s top prospect, LB Jason Henderson, is out for this matchup with an injury, so my eyes will shift to LB Wayne Matthews III (6-2, 225). Only a redshirt sophomore, Matthews is unlikely to declare early for this year’s draft — but he collected 121 tackles in the regular season and flashed on tape as a player to watch for the future.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Myrtle Beach Bowl (11 a.m., ESPN): Georgia Southern vs. Ohio

A former walk-on in Columbus, wide receiver Sam Wiglusz (5 feet 11, 180 pounds) found himself buried on Ohio State’s depth chart and transferred down the road to Ohio, where he led the Bobcats in receiving in each of the past two seasons. Working exclusively out of the slot, the senior is a speedy possession target who will get tryouts with NFL teams.

Considered a potential NFL Draft pick by area scouts over the summer, Georgia Southern running back Jalen White (6-0, 209) is well-built with the lateral burst to elude tacklers and keep plays alive. With his ball skills, scouts are optimistic he can find a role on passing downs. The Ohio run defense ranks No. 1 in the MAC and No. 8 in the FBS.

Cricket Celebration Bowl (Noon, ABC): Howard vs. Florida A&M

Originally from Ghana, left tackle Anim Dankwah (6-8, 375) picked up football while growing up in Ontario before moving to the United States to play college football. With his size and length (35 5/8-inch arms), he can block out the sun, but he isn’t a slug. NFL scouts are excited to see him in this game and then in the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he can secure draftable status.

A complete opposite from Dankwah in terms of size, Florida A&M wide receiver Marcus Riley (5-10, 170) isn’t the most intimidating player in pads, but he can fly. The Bethune-Cookman transfer can get behind the secondary, and he also provides value as a return man (see: his 96-yard kick return in the season opener).

CRIB!!!!

Opening kickoff is to the house for Marcus Riley!

FAMU – 7
JSU – 0
📺 ESPN#FAMU | #Rattlers | #OurTime pic.twitter.com/LYIJ2oFEZd

— Florida A&M Football 🏈 (@FAMU_FB) September 3, 2023

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (2:15 p.m., ESPN): Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana

Louisiana has created an offensive line pipeline with three draft picks over the past four years (Robert Hunt, Kevin Dotson and Max Mitchell). Left tackle Nathan Thomas (6-5, 333) has a chance to be next. The senior carries his weight well with large hands (10 5/8 inches) and long arms (33 5/8 inches), and he has received Day 3 draft grades from several teams.

Jacksonville State hasn’t had a draft pick in more than a decade, but senior safety Kolbi Fuqua (6-1, 215) has the attention of NFL scouts as a potential free agent. A former wide receiver at Auburn, he plays a nickel hybrid position for the Gamecocks and does his best work in the box, where he can pile up the tackles (see: his Coastal Carolina tape).

Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl (3:30 p.m., ABC): Miami (Ohio) vs. Appalachian State

A Michigan State transfer, defensive back Michael Dowell (6-0, 219) has been a productive defensive leader in his two seasons with Miami (Ohio). Playing a hybrid nickel role, Dowell has earned the coaches’ trust to play in the box, align high or cover the slot. With his special-teams background and versatility, Dowell has a shot to get noticed in an NFL camp.

Appalachian State’s top prospect, running back Nate Noel, recently entered the portal, so my eyes will be on the offensive line and right guard Bucky Williams (6-2, 298). Although Williams won’t wow with his size or measurables, he has put strong play on tape the past two seasons after transferring from Austin Peay. Williams is a physical mauler with the football smarts and toughness that will speak to NFL coaches.

GO DEEPER

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Isleta New Mexico Bowl (5:45 p.m., ESPN): New Mexico State vs. Fresno State

The Conference USA offensive player of the year, New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia (6-0, 200) has been fun to watch this season. He has dual-threat skills, and coach Jerry Kill calls him the “toughest” player he has ever coached. A fourth-year senior, Pavia has yet to announce his intentions for the 2024 season.

He’s that dude.😤#AggieUp x #HHLP
pic.twitter.com/VBwz5XNkNo

— New Mexico State Football (@NMStateFootball) December 2, 2023

Fresno State cornerback Carlton Johnson (5-11, 160) was considered a priority free-agent prospect over the summer, but his three-interception performance against Arizona State didn’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts. He was a 10.7-second 100-meter sprinter in high school, and he has the awareness to make plays on the ball.

LA Bowl (7:30 p.m., ABC): UCLA vs. Boise State

Everyone knows about UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu, a projected top-15 pick in April. But twin brothers Gabriel and Grayson Murphy are still underrated despite their pass-rush production this season. The Murphys lack ideal length and measurables, but they have timing and burst to shoot gaps and disrupt the backfield timing. It won’t be a surprise when they outplay their draft spots.

Although running back George Holani (5-10, 210) took a back seat this season to Ashton Jeanty, who is a future draft pick, he still has fans in the NFL scouting community because he is a well-rounded back. He isn’t a twitchy athlete but runs with contact balance, vision and physicality. Dependability is also a factor because Holani doesn’t fumble and can be trusted on passing downs. Holani is a possible late-rounder.

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Transfer portal QB rankings: Who are the top options on the move this offseason?

Independence Bowl (9:15 p.m., ESPN): Cal vs. Texas Tech

After putting his name on the NFL radar at San Diego State, safety Patrick McMorris (6-0, 208) transferred to Cal for his final season in 2023 and quickly made his mark. He probably won’t run a blazing 40-yard dash, but he moves with quick feet and a competitive urgency that leads him to the football. McMorris, whose lone interception this season came off Oregon’s Bo Nix, is in the late-round mix.

Texas Tech produced one of the most physically imposing players in last year’s draft (Tyree Wilson) and will do it again this year with defensive lineman Myles Cole (6-6, 280), who is probably the longest player in this class (36 7/8-inch arms, 87-inch wingspan). A Shreveport, La., native, Cole will be enjoying a homecoming for this game. He’s still raw but offers the versatility and traits that could get him drafted.

(Photo of Will Shipley: Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images)

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