The inaugural NFLPA Collegiate Bowl was held in Carson, California at the New Home Depot Center stadium on January 21, 2012. Tom Flores was head coach of the American team and Dick Vermeil was the head coach of the National team. The college all-star game was the first to invite juniors to participate in their game. The NFL office then sent out a directive to all 32 teams that league personnel would not be allowed to attend the practices or game. The ban on NFL team scouts was made to keep an ongoing positive relationship with colleges and universities. Three juniors participated in the game – Brandon Washington (Miami) OG, 6030, 325, Max Holloway (Boston College) OB/DE, 6020, 242, and Phillip Thomas (Syracuse) FS, 5116, 186. Washington was the top offensive lineman in the game and demonstrated his athletic ability and position flexibility, playing both guard and tackle. Specifically, he can bend at the hips and knees, block downfield, recover and redirect his body to seal a defender. He was not in top playing shape during the week and needs to finish his blocks more consistently.
Brandon Washington - Miami
Holloway projects to a 3-4 outside rush linebacker. He was very active, disengages quickly, and plays with his throttle wide open. Instinctive and aware. Impressive week blitzing and pressuring the quarterback. Thomas was suspended late in his junior season at Syracuse and declared for the draft on January 15th. Active in run support and plays with good field awareness. Delano Johnson (Bowie State) OLB, 6050, 270 is raw and fast twitch in his play. Has a wing span of 82.5 inches. He was also impressive on special teams’ coverage, making two tackles. In his college career, Johnson blocked ten kicks. Other notables on the National team were: Gerald Gooden (Purdue) OB, 6031, 249. He can pressure the edge. Projects as a 3-4 rush end like fellow Boilermaker alum, Cliff Avril. Jonte Green (New Mexico State) DC, 5116, 184. A man to man corner who will need to learn how to play zone coverage. Good athletic ability. Better than average tackler. Needs to get stronger. Alex Hoffman-Ellis (Washington State) MLB, 6006, 236. Played the hybrid outside linebacker for the Cougars. Led the Pac-12 in solo tackles. Quick to read and react. Will contribute on special teams’ coverage. Marquette King (Fort Valley State) PT. Raw on his drops and mechanics, but has good leg strength. Averaged 4.51 hang times on punts during the week. Sean McGrath (Henderson State) TE, 6054, 243. Angular big target who plucks the ball out away from his body. Made 56 catches in 2011. Screen off blocker. Tracy Robertson (Baylor) DT, 6046, 286. A one gap player with quick hands and arm over move. Good effort player who may get a look as a 3-4 end. Laron Scott (Georgia Southern) DC, 5096, 180. Will contribute on all special teams’ coverage and returns. Elusive with big speed. Will shoulder hit and wrap up as a coverage corner. Others on the American team were: Vince Browne (Northwestern) DE, 6056, 260. Has good lateral quickness and balance. Good eye, hand, and foot coordination. High motor, good effort player who goes to the whistle. Keith Nichol (Michigan State) WR, 6024, 215. A good athlete who will make a good utility quarterback, wide receiver, and special teams’ performer. Good week of practice. Zach Masch (Hawaii) DT, 6022, 280. Solid week of practice. Undersized but may get a look as a 3-4 defensive end. Disruptive player who has first step quickness.
Box 235 Hiawatha, IA 52233