Raiders and 49ers Coaching Staffs Direct Senior Bowl Teams

The Senior Bowl announced this week that the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers have been selected by the NFL as the two coaching staffs for the 2019 All-star classic in Mobile, Ala. They are the two highest teams drafting with coaching staffs intact for the upcoming 2019 season.

 This marks the 70th year the NFL will send two of its full coaching staffs to the game’s premier all-star and pre-draft event. Reese’s Senior Bowl week starts on Monday, January 21st and concludes with the 70th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl on January 26th at 1:30 pm CT at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
                             Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th
                       For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

 “The Reese’s Senior Bowl is excited to have the two Bay Area teams coaching in our 70th annual game,” said Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy.  “The Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers are both iconic franchises. With eight Super Bowl victories between them, the Raiders and Niners are historic brands of the league and the Senior Bowl is honored to have them at our game this year.”

 The 49ers will coach the South team and have coached the Reese’s Senior Bowl five times, last coaching in the game in 2008, ending a stretch of three consecutive coaching appearances (Mike Nolan 2006-08). They also coached in 1975 (Dick Nolan) and 1981 (Bill Walsh).

 The Raiders, who will lead the North team, have also coached in the Reese’s Senior Bowl five times previously – 1992 (Art Shell), 1999 (Jon Gruden), 2005 (Norv Turner), 2008 (Lane Kiffin) and 2013 (Dennis Allen).

 Both the Raiders and 49ers finished with 4-12 records in 2018. The 49ers hold the second overall pick and the Raiders will select fourth in April’s 2019 NFL Draft.

 Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden will be coaching in the Reese’s Senior Bowl for the fourth time. He coached the North team as the Raiders head coach in 1999, falling to Bucs’ coach Tony Dungy and the South, 31-21. He then coached in the game twice as the head coach of the Bucs, in 2005 and 2007, going 1-1 in those games.

  “We’re fired up to have Jon Gruden back in Mobile,” Nagy said. “He brings such rare energy and passion to the game of football.  This is a unique opportunity for our fans to see and hear coach Gruden at field level during our practice week.”

 Gruden, 55, returned to coaching this season after spending nearly a decade in the broadcast booth. Gruden compiled a 95-81 (.540) regular season mark in his 12 seasons as a head coach with the Raiders (1999-2001, 2018) and Bucs (2002-2008) and a 5-4 postseason mark, which includes a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

 When he was initially hired by Al Davis with the Raiders in 1998, he was the youngest coach in the league at age 34 and posted a 38-26 record, leading the silver and black to back-to-back AFC West titles in 2000 and 2001, including a trip to the AFC Championship game in 2000.

 “The Oakland Raiders are excited to coach in the premier all-star game in the land,” Gruden said. “The opportunity to interact with the Senior Bowl rosters and help these great young men achieve their dreams has the entire Raider staff galvanized. We could not be more pumped to get to Mobile.”

 Shanahan, 39, who will coach the South, will be making his head coaching debut in the Senior Bowl, but coached twice in the game previously as an assistant. Ironically, his first coaching experience in the Reese’s Senior Bowl was in 2005 as the Offensive Quality Control Coordinator for Gruden with the Bucs. In 2012, he returned to Mobile as the Offensive Coordinator of the Washington Redskins, under his father Mike Shanahan.

 “Our players are lucky to have the opportunity to be around coach Shanahan and his staff for a week,” Nagy said. “He is one of the brightest offensive minds in the game today and the Reese’s Senior Bowl is excited that our fans will get an up-close look at how he prepares players.  In addition, we are excited to have a great football man like General Manager John Lynch around our game all week, as well.”

 “The Senior Bowl is a tremendous opportunity for NFL teams to get a firsthand look at some of the top college prospects, and the City of Mobile has always been a gracious host,” Lynch said. “The opportunity to coach these young men is an invaluable asset to our evaluation process and one that we are excited to have. We look forward to getting to know these guys personally while working with them on the practice field, in meetings and even in the dining facilities.”

 Shanahan has 15 seasons of coaching experience in the NFL, the past two as the 49ers’ head coach, where he has compiled a 10-22 record. Prior to his first head coaching position, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016), Cleveland Browns (2014), Washington Redskins (2010-2013) and Houston Texans (2008-2009).

 Following the 2016 season, in which the Falcons appeared in Super Bowl LI, Shanahan was named the Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year.

NFL Draft 2019 – First Round Mock Draft –

Frank Coyle – Head scout
* Underclassmen expected to declare for the NFL Draft 2019
       Exact draft order to be determined at close of postseason
        x – Division winner      y – made playoffs

December Newsletter – Two Round Mock Draft –
Top 100 Prospects for NFL Draft 2019

1st Round
1 Arizona         3-13      – * Nick Bosa                    DE            6-3, 265         Ohio State
2 San Fran       4-12      – * Quinnen Williams    DT            6-3, 295         Alabama
3 NY Jets          4-12      –  Josh Allen                     LB            6-4, 250            Kentucky
4 Oakland         4-12      – * Ed Oliver                    DT           6-2, 290             Houston
5 Tampa Bay    5-11      – * Greedy Williams      CB           6-1, 180                         LSU
6 NY Giants      5-11      – * Dwayne Haskins       QB          6-2, 215                         Ohio State
7 Jacksonville  5-11      – Clelin Ferrell                DE                    6-4, 260                         Clemson
8 Detroit           6-10      – * Rashan Gary              DE                    6-4, 280                         Michigan
9 Buffalo          6-10      – * Jonah Williams          OT                    6-5, 300                         Alabama
10 Denver         6-10      – Drew Lock                     QB                    6-3, 225                          Missouri
11 Cincinnati    6-10      – * Devin White              LB                     6-0, 245                         LSU
12 Green Bay   6-9-1     – Montez Sweat              LB                     6-4, 245            Mississippi State
13 Miami          7-9        – * Raekwon Davis          DT                     6-7, 315                          Alabama
14 Atlanta         7-9        – * Derrick Brown           DT                     6-3, 325                         Auburn
15 Washington 7-9        – Deandre Baker           CB                    5-11, 180                        Georgia
16 Carolina      7-9        – * Greg Little                 OT                    6-5, 320                         Mississippi
17 Cleveland    7-8-1     – * AJ Brown                  WR                   6-1, 225                         Mississippi
18 Minnesota   8-7-1     – Zach Allen                   DE                    6-4, 285             Boston College
19 Tennessee   9-7        – * Jeffery Simmons       DT                    6-3, 305             Mississippi State
20 Pittsburgh   9-6-1     – * Brian Burns              LB                     6-3, 265                         Florida State
21 Philadelphia 9-7      – * Byron Murphy          CB                    5-11, 175                       Washington
22 Indianapolis 10-6     – Jerry Tillery                DT                     6-4, 310                         Notre Dame
23 Seattle         10-6      – * Deionte Thompson   FS                     6-0, 215                         Alabama
24 Oakland (Dallas) 10-6 – * N’Keal Harry     WR                   6-2, 215                         Arizona State
25 Baltimore    10-6      – * Jachai Polite             LB                     6-2, 242                         Florida
26 Houston      11-5      – Lukas Denis                   FS                     5-11, 190            Boston College
27 New England 11-5   – * Daniel Jones              QB                    6-5, 220                         Duke
28 Oakland (Chicago)  12-4 – * David Edwards  OT                    6-7, 320                         Wisconsin
29 LA Chargers 12-4    – * Dexter Lawrence      DT                     6-3, 340                         Clemson
30 LA Rams     13-3      – Austin Bryant                DE                    6-4, 265                         Clemson
31 Kansas City 12-4     – Kelvin Harmon            WR                   6-2, 220            North Carolina State
32 Green Bay (New Orleans) 13-3 – * Taylor Rapp  SS               6-0, 215                        Washington

January All-Star Games 2019 Postseason Schedule

Jan. 5-9 – College Gridiron Showcase, Fort Worth, Texas

Jan. 13 – Tropical Bowl – FBS All-star Game – Daytona Beach, Florida
                      http://www.tropicalbowl.com/

Jan. 19 NFLPA Collegiate Game –
      Rose Bowl, Los Angeles, Ca.– FS1

     Jan. 19 – East-West Shrine – St. Petersburg, Florida – 3 pm est – NFL Network
     For Complete East-West Shrine All-star Game info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to http://www.shrinegame.com/
 
*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***

                       Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th
For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

Cardinals Hold 1^st Overall Pick Selection Entering Final  NFL Weekend

Frank Coyle/ Publisher – Head Scout

 With just one game remaining in the 2018 season, the first round order for the NFL Draft 2019 is shaping the selection process. Currently, 16 clubs still have mathematical chances to earn playoff spots. All NFC division winners have been decided, though one wild card playoff club remains to join Seattle. The AFC playoff picture is more complicated with only the Patriots claiming a division title. The three other AFC divisions are still open with eight teams vying for the five remaining playoff positions.  

 Arizona has the #1 off their 3-12 record. The 49ers remain at the 2^nd overall selection off opponent’s won/loss records, though tied with the Jets and Oakland at 4-11. The Lions, Bucs, Bills, Giants and Jaguars hold the #5 thru #9 overall choices on the merit of their poor 5-10 records. There is a logjam with four clubs at 6-9 that will impact the top half of the first round over the final Sunday of the 2018 season.

 This weekend features a few key matchups, Atlanta at Tampa and Detroit at Green Bay that can shuffle the top 10 selections for all of those clubs. Arizona, San Fran, Jets and Raiders all have road divisional games that will determine the final draft order at the very top of the selection process.

 Opponents’ W-L record will be posted next week after all 16 opponents for each team and the final draft order.  Teams that are tied are currently ranked in the order of their opponents won/loss record.

Current First Round Draft Order

# / Team / W-L /
1 Arizona          3-12
2 San Francisco  4-11
3 NY Jets          4-11
4 Oakland         4-11
5 Detroit           5-10
6 Tampa Bay    5-10
7 Buffalo          5-10
8 NY Giants      5-10
9 Jacksonville   5-10
10 Atlanta         6-9
11 Carolina       6-9
12 Denver         6-9
13 Cincinnati     6-9
14 Green Bay    6-8-1
15 Miami           7-8
16 Washington  7-8
17 Cleveland     7-7-1
18 Philadelphia 8-7
19 Pittsburgh    8-6-1
20 Tennessee    9-6
21 Minnesota    8-6-1
22 Indianapolis  9-6
23 Seattle         9-6
24 Oakland (Dallas)       9-6
25 Baltimore     9-6
26 Houston       10-5
27 New England            10-5
28 Oakland (Chicago)    11-4
29 L.A. Chargers           11-4
30 L.A. Rams    12-3
31 Kansas City  11-4
32 Green Bay (New Orleans)      13-2

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Merry Christmas from Draft Insiders’ Staff

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

The upcoming NFL Draft is attracting another strong group of underclassmen. Last year a record number of underclassmen decided to turn pro with well over a 100 prospects entering the NFL ranks. This year may break those numbers with almost a month before the Jan. 15^th deadline approaches. Expect many new additions here over the next few weeks as we get deeper into the bowl season. This draft class will be a very heavy defensive talent group from both the underclassmen and senior classes.

In addition, to the large number of underclassmen entering the pro ranks, many players are opting out of their bowl game to prepare for the demanding NFL Draft postseason, both the All-star weeks and NFL Combine and pro day events. These players have increased in recent years and this is a disturbing recent development with key players ending their college careers with their team’s most important postseason game on the agenda.

Underclassmen who have declared for the NFL Draft 2019
Dec. 24th

Position / Player / School/ Class
Offensive Players

QB Jarrett Stidham                    Auburn              Jr
RB Benny Snell                         Kentucky          Jr
RB Justice Hill                           Oklahoma St     Jr
RB Devin Singletary                  Florida Atlantic  Jr
RB Mike Weber                         Ohio State        Jr
RB Darrell Henderson                Memphis           Jr
RB Rodney Anderson                Oklahoma         Jr
RB LJ Scott                              Michigan St       Jr
RB Alex Barnes                         Kansas St         Jr
RB Kerrith Whyte                       Florida Atlantic  Jr
RB Bolu Olorunfunmi                 UCLA                Jr
WR AJ Brown                            Mississippi       Jr
WR Kelvin Harmon                    North Carolina St Jr
WR N’Keal Harry                       Arizona St         Jr
WR DK Metcalf                         Mississippi       RSo
WR Preston Williams                 Colorado St      Jr
WR Greg Dortch                       Wake Forest     RSo
WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams      North Carolina   Jr
WR Antoine Wesley                   Texas Tech       Jr
WR Jovon Durante                    Florida Atlantic  Jr
WR Jazz Ferguson                    Northwestern St  Jr
TE Noah Fant                            Iowa                 Jr
TE Caleb Wilson                       UCLA                Jr
TE Alize Mack                           Notre Dame      Jr
TE Dax Raymond                      Utah St             Jr
TE Keenen Brown                     Texas St           Jr
TE Dawson Knox                      Mississippi        Jr
OT Greg Little                           Mississippi       Jr
OT Tyler Roemer                       San Diego St    RSo
OT Andre James                       UCLA               Jr
OT William Sweet                      North Carolina   Jr
OG Nate Herbig                        Stanford           Jr

Defensive Players
DE Nick Bosa                           Ohio St Jr
DE Jordan Brailford                   Oklahoma St     Jr
DE Maxx Crosby                       Eastern Michigan Jr
DT Ed Oliver                             Houston            Jr
DT Rashan Gary                       Michigan           Jr
DT Dre’Mont Jones                   Ohio St             Jr
DT Ed Alexander                       LSU                  Jr
DT Amani Bledsoe                    Oklahoma         Jr
OLB Brian Burns                       Florida St          Jr
OLB Quart’e Sapp                     Tennessee        Jr
CB Greedy Williams                  LSU                  RSO
CB Justin Layne                        Michigan St         Jr
CB Sean Bunting                       Central Michigan Jr
CB Xavier Crawford                   Central Michigan Jr
CB Blessuan Austin                   Rutgers               Jr
FS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson  Florida                Jr

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

The upcoming NFL Draft is attracting another strong group of underclassmen. Last year a record number of underclassmen decided to turn pro with well over a 100 prospects entering the NFL ranks. This year may break those numbers with almost a month before the Jan. 14th  deadline approaches. Expect many new additions here over the next few weeks as we get deeper into the bowl season. This draft class will be a very heavy defensively talent group from both the underclassmen and senior classes.

In addition, to the large number of underclassmen entering the pro ranks, many players are opting out of their bowl game to prepare for the demanding NFL Draft postseason, both the All-star weeks and NFL Combine and pro day events. These players have increased in recent years and is a disturbing development with key player sending their college careers with their team’s most important postseason game on the agenda.

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

   Dec. 17th

Position / Player / School

Offensive Players

QB Jarrett Stidham                    Auburn              Jr

RB Benny Snell                         Kentucky          Jr

RB Justice Hill                           Oklahoma St     Jr

RB Devin Singletary                  Florida Atlantic  Jr

RB Mike Weber                         Ohio State        Jr

RB Darrell Henderson                Memphis           Jr

RB Rodney Anderson                Oklahoma         Jr

RB LJ Scott                              Michigan St       Jr

RB Alex Barnes                         Kansas St         Jr

RB Kerrith Whyte                       Florida Atlantic  Jr

RB Bolu Olorunfunmi                 UCLA                Jr

WR AJ Brown                            Mississippi       Jr

WR Kelvin Harmon                    North Carolina St Jr

WR N’Keal Harry                       Arizona St         Jr

WR DK Metcalf                         Mississippi       RSo

WR Preston Williams                 Colorado St      Jr

WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams      North Carolina   Jr

WR Antoine Wesley                   Texas Tech       Jr

WR Jovon Durante                    Florida Atlantic  Jr

WR Jazz Ferguson                    Northwestern St  Jr

TE Noah Fant                            Iowa                 Jr

TE Caleb Wilson                       UCLA                Jr

TE Alize Mack                           Notre Dame      Jr

TE Dax Raymond                      Utah St             Jr

TE Keenen Brown                     Texas St           Jr

OT Greg Little                           Mississippi       Jr

OT Tyler Roemer                       San Diego St    RSo

Defensive Players

DE Nick Bosa                           Ohio St Jr

DE Jordan Brailford                   Oklahoma St     Jr

DT Ed Oliver                             Houston            Jr

DT Rashan Gary                       Michigan           Jr

DT Dre’Mont Jones                   Ohio St             Jr

OLB Brian Burns                       Florida St          Jr

OLB Quart’e Sapp                     Tennessee        Jr

CB Greedy Williams                  LSU                  RSO

CB Justin Layne                        Michigan St       Jr

CB Sean Bunting                       Central Michigan Jr

CB Xavier Crawford                   Central Michigan Jr

FS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson  Florida                Jr

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Quarterbacks Stidham & Grier Added to Senior Bowl Roster

Accepted Invitations Grow to 84 Pro Prospects

Mobile, Ala. – West Virginia QB Will Grier and Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham have both accepted invitations to the 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl, pushing the total number of QBs committed to the game to six.

Grier and Stidham, a fourth-year junior who will graduate in December, are among 32 players announced recently by the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Stidham is the second junior to accept an invitation to this year’s game, after Utah State tight end Dax Raymond. Juniors who have graduated are eligible for the Senior Bowl.

Visit the Senior Bowl at www.seniorbowl.com for all information of the premier All-star Classic

The other quarterbacks on the roster are Ryan Finley (NC State), Trace McSorley (Penn St.), Gardner Minshew (Washington St.) and Clayton Thorson (Northwestern), with a couple more expected to be added in the next couple of weeks.

Georgia linebacker D’Andre Walker, Michigan linebacker Chase Winovich, South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel and Washington offensive lineman Kaleb McGary are among the new standouts added to the roster.

The 34 additions push the roster total to 84. Most recent acceptances:

Complete List of Senior Bowl 2019 Invitations
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/accepted-invites.php

New Accepted Senior Bowl Invitations
Jake Bailey, P, Stanford
Tyre Brady, WR, Marshall
Yodny Cajuste, OL, West Virginia
LJ Collier, DL, TCU
Chuma Edoga, OL, USC
Mike Edwards, DB, Kentucky
Travis Fulgham, WR, Old Dominion
Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington
Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Alec Ingold, FB, Wisconsin
Jalen Jelks, LB, Oregon
Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo
Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky
Jonathan Ledbetter, DL, Georgia
Alize’ Mack, TE, Notre Dame
Kaleb McGary, OL, Washington
Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford
Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State
Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
Drew Sample, TE, Washington
Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Max Scharping, OL, Northern Illinois
David Sills V, WR, West Virginia
Cameron Smith, LB, USC
D’Andre Walker, LB, Georgia
Trevon Wesco, FB/TE, West Virginia
Alex Wesley, WR, Northern Colorado
Darius West, DB, Kentucky
Chase Winovich, LB, Michigan
Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Utah
Renell Wren, DL, Arizona St.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

 

Kentucky’s Josh Allen Wins 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Linebacker is Wildcat’s first major award winner since 1950

FWAA – Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen was named the recipient of the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Monday night before a sold-out banquet crowd of 1,200 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Allen, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound linebacker from Montclair, N.J., accepted the award given to the best defensive player in college football and becomes Kentucky’s first major award winner since Bob Gain won the Outland Trophy in 1950.

The FWAA All-America Committee made Allen the selection as this year’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner. Allen was selected from a list of finalists that included Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, LSU safety Grant Delpit, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and Alabama nose guard Quinnen Williams.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards.

Frank Coyle voted for LB Josh Allen of Kentucky this year.

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The senior has been one of the nation’s top pass rushers all season with 14 sacks in the 2018 season that led the Southeastern Conference and are third in the nation, to go with SEC-best marks of 18.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. His 14 sacks are the single-season record at Kentucky, as are his 28.5 career sacks heading into the Wildcats’ VRBO Citrus Bowl appearance on Jan. 1.

Allen has 11 career forced fumbles, which ties former Wildcat and current Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan for the Wildcats’ career mark. His defensive numbers improved as the games wore on – 12 of his 14 sacks have come in the second half, with eight of those 12 in the fourth quarter. He clinched two of Kentucky’s nine wins this season with a sack that caused a fumble that the Wildcats recovered on their opponents’ final possession. In addition, those 14 sacks have been drive-breakers for opponents. Of the 14 drives in which Allen registered a sack, opponents ran 81 plays for just 211 yards of total offense, or 2.6 yards per play. The 14 drives combined resulted in no points, eight punts and four turnovers.

Allen was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week four times this season and posted double-figure tackles in three games. On the season, Allen has 84 total tackles, six quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.

“Just the way he impacts the game being a big guy, he’s really remarkable,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said following a Nov. 17 win over Middle Tennessee. “He’s so unselfish. You see players so often in situations like that (trying to make a play), and he won’t blink an eye if we’re not rushing him. He doesn’t even think about it. When he gets his opportunities, he’s going to go. He wanted the (school sack) record, but not at the expense of our defense and what we’re doing and game planning.”

Allen was an all-state wide receiver for Abbeville (Ala.) High School as a junior before moving back to his hometown of Montclair, N.J., and switching to linebacker for his senior season. He bulked up by 40 pounds upon arriving at Kentucky. He has a fraternal twin brother Isaiah, and a sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, who played college basketball at Louisville and is currently a forward for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA joined with the Charlotte Touchdown Club and named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about our story.

The Football Writers Association of America, founded in 1941, consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

 

 Maxwell Football Club Announces Chuck Bednarik Award 2018 Semifinalists

Five teams, Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Mississippi St and Washington list two Defensive Players on the Semifinalist List

MSU’s Simmons and Sweat Named Bednarik Award Semifinalists
Mississippi State’s Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat, the best defensive line duo in America, were both named semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award on Monday by the Maxwell Football Club.

The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the college defensive player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club. The field of contenders is comprised of 20 candidates, featuring a representative from every Power 5 conference. Simmons is one of two returners from last year’s semifinal list. MSU is one of just five schools with multiple semifinalists, joining Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Washington.

College football’s most feared pass rusher, Sweat is tied for second in the Southeastern Conference and seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 8.5 sacks through eight games this season. He has also racked up 11 tackles for loss, which is the third-most in the SEC. No player in the Power 5 has tallied more sacks since the start of the 2017 season than Sweat, who has 19 in his 21 career games played in that span. Sweat, who led the SEC in sacks with 10.5 in 2017, is looking to become the second player since at least 2002 to lead the league in sacks back-to-back years.

A dominant interior force, Simmons leads all SEC defensive linemen with 39 tackles this season and ranks tied for fourth in the conference with 9.5 tackles for loss. Simmons has recorded 18 stops and 16 total pressures, including 12 hurries. In the 21 games played together, the pair of first-round NFL prospects have combined for 48 tackles for loss (28 vs. SEC). Sweat has 26.5, while Simmons has 21.5 (Simmons has 25.0 in his career). The tandem has also combined for 24 sacks (16.5 vs. SEC) as Sweat has 19 and Simmons has five.

Frank Coyle lists  12 of the 20 junior and senior defenders on his Big Board for the NFL Draft 2019.

Semifinalist voting for the award will  close on Nov. 18. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 19 and a second round of voting will take place at that time. Eligible voters include Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head football coaches, sports information directors and selected national media.

The winner will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show presented by Gildan which will be broadcast live on ESPN on Dec. 6. The formal presentation of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club’s Awards Dinner on Friday, March 8, 2019 at the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

2018 Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalists

DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama
S Deionte Thompson, Alabama
DE Zach Allen, Boston College
DE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
DE Jachai Polite, Florida
DE Brian Burns, Florida State
CB Deandre Baker, Georgia
DT Ed Oliver, Houston
LB Josh Allen, Kentucky
DE Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
S Grant Delpit, LSU
LB Devin White, LSU
DE Chase Winovich, Michigan
DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
NG Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
NG Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
DT Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State
CB Byron Murphy, Washington
LB Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018-2019

       By Frank Coyle – Head Scout Draft Insiders’

Senior Bowl – January 26, 2019 in Mobile, Al

Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy and staff have assembled another outstanding group of college players and Pro Prospects for the All-star classic this January. The Senior Bowl has been the premier All-star event of the college postseason and critical part of the evaluation process for the NFL Draft for decades. This event has showcased many future top NFL stars who made their debut nationally on the Senior Bowl stage.

This list will add prospects through the fall and be updated periodically. Draft Insiders’ will provide continuous Senior Bowl lists, changes and news through the January classic.

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 Full Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018-2019

Tight Ends and Offensive Linemen

Tight Ends

Andrew Beck – Texas
6-3,  255 Big 12

Ian Bunting – California
6-7,  255 Pac-12

Evan Butts – Virginia
6-4,  250 ACC

C.J. Conrad – Kentucky
6-5,  252 SEC

Micky Crum – Louisville
6-4,  255 ACC

Ceejhay French-Love – Arizona State
6-4,  245 Pac-12

Brandon Fritts – North Carolina
6-4,  240 ACC

Seth Hebert – Central Missouri
6-4,  225 Division II

Hale Hentges – Alabama
6-5,  249 SEC

Cole Herdman – Purdue
6-4,  245 Big Ten

C’yontai Lewis – Florida
6-4,  233 SEC

Alizé Mack – Notre Dame
6-5, 247 IND

Foster Moreau – LSU
6-6,  256 SEC

Josh Oliver – San Jose State
6-5, 250 MW

Tyler Petite – USC
6-4, 250 Pac-12

Isaiah Searight – Fordham
6-4, 250 FCS

Sam Seonbuchner – Iowa State
6-3, 244 Big 12

Matt Sokol – Michigan State
6-6, 255 Big Ten

Tommy Sweeney – Boston College
6-5, 260 ACC

Jerome Washington – Rutgers
6-4, 256 Big Ten

Offensive Linemen
Tackles

Paul Adams – Missouri
6-6, 315 SEC

Trey Adams – Washington
6-8, 316 Pac-12

Calvin Anderson – Texas
6-5, 300 Big 12

Jackson Barton – Utah
6-7, 312 Pac-12

Juwann Bushell-Beatty – Michigan
6-6, 315 Big Ten

Yodny Cajuste – West Virginia
6-5, 321 Big 12

Tariq Cole – Rutgers
6-6, 317 Big Ten

Daniel Cooney – University of San Diego
6-8, 315 FCS

Dennis Daley – South Carolina
6-6, 324 SEC

Andre Dillard – Washington State
6-5, 306 Pac-12

Derwin Gray – Maryland
6-5, 330 Big Ten

Ethan Greenidge – Villanova
6-4, 335 FCS

Justin Herron – Wake Forest
6-5, 290 ACC

Tytus Howard – Alabama State
6-6, 280 FCS

Mitch Hyatt – Clemson
6-5, 305 ACC

Martez Ivey – Florida
6-5, 306 SEC

Devon Johnson – Ferris State
6-7, 315 Division II

Tyler Jones – North Carolina State
6-3, 306 ACC

Chris Lindstrom – Boston College
6-4, 310 ACC

Kaleb McGary – Washington
6-8, 324 Pac-12

Garrett McGhin – East Carolina
6-6, 302 AAC

Yosuah Nijman – Virginia Tech
6-7, 314 ACC

Trey Pipkins – Sioux Falls (SD)
6-6, 300 Division II

Damian Prince – Maryland
6-3, 320 Big Ten

Isaiah Prince – Ohio State
6-7, 310 Big Ten

Dalton Risner – Kansas State
6-5, 308 Big 12

Max Scharping – Northern Illinois
6-6, 320 MAC

Tyree St. Louis – Miami
6-5, 315 ACC

Oli Udoh – Elon
6-6, 356 FCS

Brian Wallace – Arkansas
6-6, 320 SEC

Guards

Nick Allegretti – Illinois
6-4, 320 Big Ten

B.J. Autry – Jacksonville St.
6-5, 340 FCS

Zack Bailey – South Carolina
6-6, 314 SEC

Kendall Baker – Georgia
6-6, 305 SEC

Alex Bars – Notre Dame
6-6, 318 IND

Beau Benzschawel – Wisconsin
6-6, 315 Big Ten

Garrett Brumfield – LSU
6-4, 303 SEC

Deion Calhoun – Mississippi State
6-3, 320 SEC

Lester Cotton – Alabama
6-4, 324 SEC

Michael Deiter – Wisconsin
6-6, 310 Big Ten

Brandon Fanaika – Stanford
6-3, 315 Pac-12

Hjalte Froholdt – Arkansas
6-5, 315 SEC

Johnny Gibson Jr. – Arkansas
6-4, 319 SEC

Phil Haynes – Wake Forest
6-4, 310 ACC

Wes Martin – Indiana
6-3, 316 Big Ten

Nick Natour – SMU
6-4, 288 AAC

Javon Patterson – Ole Miss
6-3, 314 SEC

Kevin Pendleton – Missouri
6-4, 330 SEC

Ben Powers – Oklahoma
6-4, 313 Big 12

Patrick Vahe – Texas
6-3, 325 Big 12

Centers

Jon Baker – Boston College
6-3, 290 ACC

Garrett Bradbury – North Carolina State
6-3, 300 ACC

Jesse Burkett – Stanford
6-4, 300 Pac-12

Alec Eberle – Florida State
6-4, 299 ACC

Lamont Gaillard – Georgia
6-2, 308 SEC

Elgton Jenkins – Mississippi State
6-4, 310 SEC

Drew Kyser – Memphis
6-5, 300 AAC

Nick Linder – Indiana
6-3, 307 Big Ten

Toa Lobendahn – USC
6-3, 295 Pac-12

Brendan Moore – Maryland
6-3, 302 Big Ten

Sam Mustipher – Notre Dame
6-3, 306 IND

Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama
6-4, 309 SEC

Sean Rawlings – Ole Miss
6-5, 294 SEC

Full Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list