Hustle Belt - 2022 College Football All-Star Game CoverageMAC Football, MAC Basketball, MAC Recruiting, MAC Baseball and all of the other #MACtion hijinks in between - hustlebeltblog@gmail.comhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50387/hustle-fav.png2022-02-09T14:38:53-05:00http://www.hustlebelt.com/rss/stream/226487422022-02-09T14:38:53-05:002022-02-09T14:38:53-05:002022 Senior Bowl Post-Game Stats and Analysis
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Senior Bowl" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T6aaIWDr7c_Csm8uVFlNFKCVVkM=/0x0:6007x4005/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70487585/usa_today_17624377.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It was a relatively quiet day for the MAC contingent at the Senior Bowl, but there was still some good performances out of the bunch.</p> <p id="4dKJ03">The Senior Bowl was a relatively one-sided affair in Mobile, Alabama over the weekend, with the National Team, coached by the New York Jets, handily defeating the American Team, led by the Detroit Lions, by a final margin of 20-10 in unseasonably cold and dreary conditions. </p>
<p id="YmEK7E">Senior Bowl MVP went to National Team defensive tackle Parnell Winfrey, formerly of Oklahoma, who collected two sacks and three tackles-for-loss in five stops as a starter. </p>
<p id="sVPHWd">The game was the climax of a week-long showcase for all five of the scheduled Mid-American Conference prospects, who picked up <a href="https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/2/4/22911319/bernhard-raimann-tycen-anderson-sterling-weatherford-dominque-robinson-luke-goedeke-senior-bowl-2022">plenty of practice intrigue and mock draft recognition</a> in the days leading up to the game on Saturday. </p>
<p id="3fvRTa">As with most Senior Bowls, the rules are a bit different from normal football. </p>
<p id="9BKeY2">Offensive formations must be balanced, with no motions or shifts, while defenses must show Cover 1, Cover 2 and Cover 3 and cannot pull stunts or blitz plays. There were also two minute warnings at each quarter, with the opposing team possessing the ball in the next quarter, and two mandatory timeouts to be used by each team in each quarter. </p>
<p id="mwyaUI">With all that in mind, we focus on the four MAC players who did play on Saturday and how they looked. (Luke Goedeke, who was originally set to be featured on the National team alongside teammate Bernhard Raimann, was the first prospect to withdraw from the Senior Bowl, sustaining a hamstring injury early on Tuesday practices.)</p>
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<h2 id="kPctCw"><strong>National Team</strong></h2>
<h4 id="VkJaIn"><strong>Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan</strong></h4>
<ul><li id="qiZVtD">Second-team participation; one false-start penalty</li></ul>
<p id="lVSmxx">Raimann being the second-string left tackle was a bit of surprise if you had only tuned in on Wednesday and Saturday, as he started the week as the National side’s OT1 on the left side. Instead, it was fast-riser Trevor Penning of University of Northern Iowa who started the game. (Minnesota OT Daniel Faalele was the starter on the right side.)</p>
<p id="iW3xwH">Raimann entered the game in the second quarter, and showed off his strength fairly early, squashing his assignment several times in a row on run plays. The first pass rep, less so, as he was left in the dust by Sam Williams, who managed to force a pressure on Desmond Ridder. Raimann made up for it on the next play, with another excellent run block rep. </p>
<p id="oKXPNd">This was more or less the pattern for Raimann, who flashed brilliant awareness in the run game, with several strong pushes, and was more up-and-down in pass reps. This is probably not too much a surprise given he’s only played offensive line for 18 games, but when put together with his struggles in one-on-one plays, it’s something a few teams could be concerned by. </p>
<p id="JrTzFi">That said, he played well in team drills, and availed himself admirably in the game, which is more of a team setting, so there’s certainly still something there. </p>
<h4 id="Ed5ZG2"><strong>Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li id="5AdU1I">Second-team participation, special teams participation</li>
<li id="BHCWtt">No recorded stats</li>
</ul>
<p id="f4Ed4h">Robinson’s name has been picking up a lot of steam as an intriguing late-round project at the edge position, winning a lot of one-on-ones throughout the week, and showed his raw athletic potential several times early on to put himself on the map. </p>
<p id="ms8TTh">Robinson’s burst length will certainly intrigue teams, and he utilized both of those qualities to get some pressure on his matchups.</p>
<p id="SZxSKO">Robinson didn’t record a stat, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. On his first snap, he got around not one, but two blockers without being touched and ran unabated at the quarterback, who was forced to throw it away. After getting met at the line one-on-one in his second attempt, he came back on third down to split two blockers with a straight bull rush to collapse the pocket, which helped to force a Sam Howell fumble— which Robinson nearly recovered. </p>
<p id="LN9ZJc">Robinson nearly got a sack once again in the fourth quarter, getting away from the left tackle and changing the angle of pursuit to get into the airspace of Bailey Zappe to force a throwaway. He did suffer some defeats in pass rush, but showed great instinct for the ball, getting the hands up several times to try and deflect the ball.</p>
<p id="EDofj2">The pressures and wins off the block he did manage to pick up were great film for scouts, and we’ll see where he ends up after a productive week in Mobile, but on a day where the American Team offensive line was being cooked for eight sacks, recording no stats could be a concern.</p>
<h4 id="CEf6Wz"><strong>Sterling Weatherford, SAF/LB, Miami</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li id="djYhcC">Second-team participation, special teams starter</li>
<li id="pkbueE">2 tackles (1 solo, 1 assist)</li>
</ul>
<p id="3KYD4K">Weatherford had a great day from the linebacker/box safety spot for the National side, picking up two tackles in what was primarily a passing coverage assignment. </p>
<p id="7yXudh">Weatherford called the plays and adjustments as the “green dot” linebacker whenever his unit was in, and showed excellent run gap discipline when necessary. Weatherford was asked to cover primarily running backs and tight ends in the middle of the field and performed admirably, running stride-for-stride with several players, notably UCLA TE Greg Dulich in the second half. </p>
<p id="8LfuaK">Weatherford had two plays of note early on. The first was on a Malik Willis scramble on a broken play, where Weatherford managed to snag Willis as he passed by after a teammate failed to secure the arm tackle, forcing Willis to fall down for a minimal gain on what could have been a long run down the middle of the field. The second play saw Weatherford in essentially a spy position on third down, keeping eyes on the backfield while also covering the halfback out of the play action draw play, eventually allowing his teammate to collect a sack.</p>
<p id="I50J0s">He also showed great special teams prowess, holding up blocks and maintaining gaps correctly. This checks out, as he projects to be an immediate ST contributor wherever he goes.</p>
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<h2 id="woIUYy"><strong>American Team</strong></h2>
<p id="WTJ5HO"><strong>Tycen Anderson, SAF, Toledo</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="LZIdkw">Second-string participation, special teams starter</li>
<li id="wDipJk">3 tackles (2 solo)</li>
</ul>
<p id="u9B08h">Anderson was the only MAC member on the American side, and primarily saw action on special teams. He collected three tackles on the day, including two solo stops, with a fourth total stop called back due to an offensive penalty. </p>
<p id="AlbdCf">While not having a lot of initial speed, Anderson had excellent closing speed. This was on display on the called-back tackle, where he was positioned in a zone cushion to the right of the offensive formation. Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson enters the zone, dekes Anderson out of it, and sets up for the pass from Nevada QB Carson Strong. Anderson is able to collect himself, right his angle of pursuit and force Ferguson out of bounds on the same yard-line as the deke move for a gain of five yards instead of a first down.</p>
<p id="t45cQf">Anderson played on the special teams unit a lot for the American Team (which is likely how he gets on an NFL roster,) and has great potential as a run support safety, but if he can clean up on the passing aspect, he could be a rotational contributor for someone down the line.</p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/2/9/22920738/2022-senior-bowl-game-stats-analysis-raimann-weatherford-tycen-anderson-dominque-robinsonJames H. Jimenez2022-02-06T15:00:00-05:002022-02-06T15:00:00-05:002022 East-West Shrine Bowl Post-Game Stats and Analysis
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<img alt="NCAA Football: East/West Shrine Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WuETl1nu209Z3ta6ztiKsiM-3bM=/0x0:8001x5334/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70477523/usa_today_17613919.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The East-West Shrine Bowl had mixed results for the MAC athletes that participated. Ali Fayad made a good argument that his MAC performance will translate to higher levels.</p> <p id="NVqRlS">Team West beat Team East by a single point in the 97th edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl on Thursday night in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Navy linebacker Diego Fagot and Brown quarterback EJ Perry won the defensive and offensive MVPs of the game from the East team— a rare occurrence of the MVPs coming from the losing squad.</p>
<p id="Mq6q1u">Team West built a lead in the first half and thoroughly controlled the ball. Their time of possession totaled 20:56 in the first half but only scored 11 points. The West scored a touchdown on their opening possession of the second half to extend the lead to 19-0.</p>
<p id="cdB6VG">EJ Perry took over for Team East in the second half, throwing for three touchdowns and no interceptions in the second half. It ended up being too little too late and Team East took the one-point loss. </p>
<p id="BKpsHj">Dustin Crum, Ali Fayad, Armani Rogers and Clint Ratkovich accepted invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl and each had a good week of practice leading into the game. The practices are more important than the game at these All-Star events, but seeing how the players perform at game speed in the new environment is one more thing for the coaches and scouts in attendance to evaluate.</p>
<p id="cwod49">Below is what shows up in the box score for each MAC athlete, and a few things that don’t.</p>
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<h2 id="kPctCw"><strong>Team East</strong></h2>
<h4 id="VkJaIn"><strong>Ali Fayad, LB, Western Michigan</strong></h4>
<p id="qiZVtD">Ali Fayad was his normal, productive self in the East-West Shrine Bowl with a tackle-for-loss, (drawing a holding penalty,) and a sack (which was ultimately negated by a penalty.)</p>
<p id="9M96W8">There is no doubt that Fayad can use his toolbox and get to the quarterback, so shedding a blocker to get to the ball carrier was excellent. The right tackle, Florida’s Jean Delance, had been doing a good job keeping Fayad in check early, but Fayad used a good push-pull move to lose him, get down the line and meet the ball carrier in the backfield. </p>
<p id="X5pKgL">The sack came in the second half on a stunt with the defensive tackle next to him. He beat the offensive guard to get to Skylar Thompson from Kansas State. Unfortunately, a defensive holding wiped out of the box score, but the players here are being evaluated far past the box score. </p>
<p id="Zx9j9D">Production during the game, after a glowing week of practice, is just the icing on the cake for Fayad. His draft stock is certainly improved and there are a couple more opportunities to do so before April’s draft.</p>
<h4 id="Ed5ZG2"><strong>Dustin Crum, QB, Kent State</strong></h4>
<p id="8oVFDi">Dustin Crum had a tough day at the Shrine Bowl. The East team only used two quarterbacks and gave Crum the first half. As an offense in the first half produced 84 yards on four drives and no points. </p>
<p id="hGj3c9">His final line for the day was 6-of-10 for 37 yards, and five rushes for 29 yards. Officially he had 2 fumbles, but there was another removed from the box score by a defensive penalty. The first was a fumbled snap that he recovered himself and ran for a loss of a yard. </p>
<p id="Z6R6XG">The second was a dropped hand-off to the running back Leddie Brown from under center. The whole play did not look good. The offensive line did not fire in sync and, based on some audio played during the broadcast of an East coach speaking with Crum, Crum turned the wrong direction after taking the snap which put him out of position for the hand-off. </p>
<p id="cU0ABT">The third was punched out on a scramble toward the sideline and went out of bounds. There was a defensive holding on the play that extended the drive for the East offense.</p>
<p id="3QgU1a">The game did not go the way he wanted, that much is clear, but this game is not what will decide his future. The week of practice leading up to the game is far more important, as is his career of game film at Kent State. He did get to show off his athleticism during the game and he spent a week with NFL coaches telling him what they want to see from him. </p>
<p id="5AdU1I">The next step for Dustin Crum is the NFL Combine.</p>
<h4 id="CEf6Wz"><strong>Armani Rogers, TE, Ohio</strong></h4>
<p id="XZdFss">Armani Rogers got the start for the East offense but did not record any stats. There were factors outside of his control but his inexperience at the tight end position showed. </p>
<p id="iB7UJm">This game is his only game film at his new position. It might carry more weight for him than others in the game. He was not targeted during the game and on his routes, he had difficulty creating separation. He probably should have had a target early in the game but the quarterback wasn’t able to find him.</p>
<p id="KojcgY">Blocking was a mixed bag as well. He was able to get to his assignment and engage but wasn’t able to drive the defender away from the play. Compared to where expectation should be for a quarterback to tight end transition, Rogers was fine. For his college career, he was specifically asked to not engage defenders. It’s not surprising that’s not a polished part of his game right now. </p>
<p id="aIuRHm">He’ll have more time to refine his game before the undrafted free agent period.</p>
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<h2 id="woIUYy"><strong>Team West</strong></h2>
<h4 id="7r34Tn"><strong>Clint Ratkovich, FB, Northern Illinois</strong></h4>
<p id="aTBI0l">Clint Ratkovich showed what he needed to in the Shrine Bowl, even if it wasn’t a gigantic stat line. He had five rushes for 17 yards. What is more important for Ratkovich is how he got the stats and what he did without the ball. When he had the ball he made sure he was going forward and when he lined up as a fullback, he sealed edges. </p>
<p id="ogpsEA">He had a nice block to help the West offense score their final touchdown. As a fullback in an offset I formation, he blocked the outside linebacker, kept him out of the play and got behind the pile to get the <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanNoles/status/1489438351069483009">ball across the goal line</a>. He also recovered a muffed punt late in the game that was turned into a short-field touchdown, showing special teams versatility as well.</p>
<p id="oINchO">His week of practice was more important for him than the game, which went well. His future in the NFL is likely to be as a tough do-it-all back that can get tough yards, block, and catch passes out of the backfield. Not as an every-down back, at least initially.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/2/6/22917024/2022-east-west-shrine-bowl-post-game-analysis-ali-fayad-dustin-crum-clint-ratkovich-armani-rogersandrewpearson132022-02-03T18:00:00-05:002022-02-03T18:00:00-05:002022 East-West Shrine Bowl Practice Notes and Official Measurements
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<img alt="2020 East–West Shrine Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JzonGgLTVi1G9UlPfjfUNAV42II=/0x0:3426x2284/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70468792/1200404446.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The MAC players at the East-West Shrine Bowl are generating attention for themselves during the week of practice.</p> <p id="0YAAGS">Players from all around the collegiate world have gathered in Las Vegas this week, engaging in practices, press conferences and interviews in te lead up to the East-West Shrine Bowl (formerly called the East-West Shrine Game) to be played February 3 in Allegiant Stadium. </p>
<p id="BUTy1u">The week of practices is the player’s opportunity to work with current NFL assistant coaches and talk to scouts and media to improve their draft stock. </p>
<p id="Y3Poqb">The MAC players that accepted invites have made an impression in their short time. Ali Fayad is showing off his pass-rushing moves and winning one on one battles regularly, and Dustin Crum has looked good throwing short passes. </p>
<p id="wSeflg">Clint Ratkovich has gotten some attention showing all the skills a running back needs. Armani Rogers once again walked upon the turf of the UNLV facility, this time as a tight end. Rogers has has looked raw, but made solid progress throughout the week. He was originally recruited to UNLV as a quarterback prior to his arrival in Athens.</p>
<p id="xggsFb">Below are the official measurements that were taken on-site and some highlights of each MAC player at the Shrine Bowl.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zgbuIR">
<h2 id="x80v3G">Official measurements (listed in alphabetical order, with all length numbers in inches)</h2>
<p id="UB2eVD"><strong>Dustin Crum, QB, Kent State</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="7IvXru">Height: six-foot-one</li>
<li id="DEo1rC">Weight: 219</li>
<li id="RIuj7z">Hands: 9 and one-eighths</li>
<li id="lLrm5Y">Arms: 32 and one-eighths</li>
<li id="mmBmTq">Wingspan: 77</li>
</ul>
<p id="BI7KPp"><strong>Ali Fayad, LB, Western Michigan</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="Qbcl4M">Height: six-foot-two</li>
<li id="CevJGE">Weight: 248 lbs.</li>
<li id="439Yz1">Hands: 9 and three-eighths</li>
<li id="lj1No7">Arms: 32</li>
<li id="2xnbbS">Wingspan: 77 and one half</li>
</ul>
<p id="4ZcyR5"><strong>Clint Ratkovich, RB, Northern Illinois</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="I5irC1">Height: six-foot</li>
<li id="w2DHOS">Weight: 231 lbs.</li>
<li id="3Fyzk9">Hands: 9 and one half</li>
<li id="1VoYBk">Arms: 30 and one half</li>
<li id="tdR04y">Wingspan: 73</li>
</ul>
<p id="4EnIDZ"><strong>Armani Rogers, TE, Ohio</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="LPUWIi">Height: six-foot-five</li>
<li id="e7j1Te">Weight: 226 lbs.</li>
<li id="2XSJx2">Hands: 9 and one half</li>
<li id="DbYVq9">Arms: 33 and one-eighth</li>
<li id="Z4UEK4">Wingspan: 79 and one half</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="C9wJQk">What They’re Saying on Twitter:</h2>
<p id="wzxyRK"><strong>Ali Fayad</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WMU edge Ali Fayad has opened tons of eyes at the Shrine Bowl this week, including mine. Dominated in one on ones. Classic case of a guy who shows out in the spotlight and makes everyone go take a closer look.<br><br>Reminder that he was top 10 in the nation in pressures this year.</p>— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettKollmann/status/1488354163679383553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Western Michigan edge Ali Fayad getting Utah OT Bamidele Olaseni with the ghost move <br><br>Both have been standouts at the <a href="https://twitter.com/ShrineBowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShrineBowl</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7qc3pT2zz">pic.twitter.com/V7qc3pT2zz</a></p>— Anthony Treash (@PFF_Anthony) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Anthony/status/1488194301121032193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">-LB Ali Fayad continues to dominate in practices. Crazy spin move on Zachary Thomas in one rep.<br><br>-G Alec Lindstrom and OT Myron Cunningham are a step above the rest of the O-linemen. <br><br>-I’m bias, but Pierre Strong looked quick, ran low, interested to see him in the game.<br><br>2/4</p>— Draft Countdown (@DraftCountdown) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftCountdown/status/1488182503244328962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ali Fayad. Helicopter. SACK. His bag is overflowing and I love it. <a href="https://t.co/VZqcArRfw5">pic.twitter.com/VZqcArRfw5</a></p>— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattalkire/status/1487958689294204929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a>
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<p id="VF7BHa"><em>Pro Football Focus</em> discusses what they’ve seen from Fayad so far at the 2:18 mark:</p>
<div id="OIaScD"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tR9Ib3EXtYg?rel=0&start=138" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="TIjSiE"><strong>Dustin Crum</strong></p>
<div id="tvH5Xs">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Day 2 <a href="https://twitter.com/ShrineBowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShrineBowl</a> Notes from <a href="https://twitter.com/ShanePHallam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShanePHallam</a>:<br><br>-QB Dustin Crum has good zip in short yardage.<br>Worth a late round pick.<br><br>-CB Decobie Durant showed he belongs, worth drafting.<br><br>-WR Charleston Rambo is a smooth route runner. Could be a solid reserve<br><br>1/4</p>— Draft Countdown (@DraftCountdown) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftCountdown/status/1488182422122369025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dustin Crum connects with Rutgers RB, Isaih Pacheco for the TD. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShrineBowl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShrineBowl</a> <a href="https://t.co/pGZ8ODdbAX">pic.twitter.com/pGZ8ODdbAX</a></p>— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiabeticTyler/status/1487914550435405826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a>
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<p id="HixXSi">The focus in this clip is on the diving catch, but Crum delivered a ball that was either an incredible catch or incomplete:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">. All eyes on <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlestonRambo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CharlestonRambo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShrineBowl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShrineBowl</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CanesFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanesFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/Iudj1ugtrg">pic.twitter.com/Iudj1ugtrg</a></p>— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShrineBowl/status/1487788333769973767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a>
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<p id="EyVKX7"><strong>Armani Rogers</strong></p>
<div id="EYZYQh">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Early winners from 1 on 1 for East practice: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLA</a> WR Kyle Philips <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tulsa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tulsa</a> WR Josh Johnson <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ohio?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ohio</a> TE Armani Rogers</p>— Brentley Weissman (@Brentley12) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brentley12/status/1487470554462392320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We talked about Ohio U's converted QB-turned-TE Armani Rogers on our Day 1&2 wrap-up podcast on Bootleg. <br><br>He draws flags on this route and still makes the catch. He's going to be a legit matchup problem as he learns the nuances of the position and adds mass to his frame. <a href="https://t.co/Gpk5jqflBR">pic.twitter.com/Gpk5jqflBR</a></p>— EJ Snyder (@thedraftsmanFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedraftsmanFB/status/1488629092773613568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Talked a lot this weekend about <a href="https://twitter.com/OhioFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OhioFootball</a> TE Armani Rogers’ receiving upside as a pure athlete but this is a nice rep in pass pro against an EDGE. Nice job staying square, just needs to finish rep better. He’s grown each and every day at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShrineBowl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShrineBowl</a>. <a href="https://t.co/pkSBkPjTeQ">pic.twitter.com/pkSBkPjTeQ</a></p>— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealD_Jackson/status/1488606381464854528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a>
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<p id="KxJDES"><strong>Clint Ratkovich</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clint Ratkovich was (not surprisingly) money in this drill. <a href="https://t.co/JRBy0pWRrk">pic.twitter.com/JRBy0pWRrk</a></p>— EJ Snyder (@thedraftsmanFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedraftsmanFB/status/1488032909575417856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mr. Everything-back, Clint Ratkovich on a little FB back shoulder-esque throw. Hell, why not? <a href="https://t.co/QyevuxQzDx">pic.twitter.com/QyevuxQzDx</a></p>— EJ Snyder (@thedraftsmanFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedraftsmanFB/status/1488613490738618368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/2/3/22913624/2022-east-west-shrine-bowl-practice-notes-ali-fayad-dustin-crum-armani-rogers-clint-ratkovichandrewpearson132022-02-01T17:00:00-05:002022-02-01T17:00:00-05:002022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Post-Game Stats and Analysis
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 29 Collegiate Bowl" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OC-xXG3lMeGiOMM-bW6ap1kraaE=/0x87:3609x2493/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70459651/1238068720.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Three MAC players participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game and were featured heavily in a surprisingly fun contest.</p> <p id="PKIfZB">The National team beat the American team 25-24 Saturday evening in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Three of the MAC players that were in Pasadena featured prominently in the game, while one did not play.</p>
<p id="Q716on">The American team opened up an early 14-0 lead, and took 14-3 into the half. The second half opened with a field goal for the American team, then the comeback was on. </p>
<p id="sCu56o">The National team responded with back-to-back touchdowns to tie the game and took the lead for the first time with 4 minutes left after a successful two-point conversion. The American team had a shot to win at the end but missed a 45-yard field goal wide left.</p>
<p id="fewXvj">The offenses were limited to certain personnel groups, always needing to have at least one tight end and running back on the field at all times. The defenses were not allowed to blitz. The rule adjustments certainly lead to different gameplay and are intended to create one on one situations on the field.</p>
<p id="p16cyw">The MAC players were able to workout through the week leading up to the game with former NFL coaches and get plenty of tape from this game. Let’s look at how their afternoons went individually.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ccyEVV">
<h2 id="FxnUs1"><strong>American</strong></h2>
<ul><li id="KI8vOr"><strong>Bryant Koback, RB, Toledo</strong></li></ul>
<p id="nkvj3c">Bryant Koback was the starting running back for the American offense and got more touches than any skill position player in the game. The American team only used two running backs in the game and Koback carried the ball 14 times.</p>
<p id="2kiIRw">His final stat line was 14 carries for 58 yards and one catch for nine yards, which is good for an average rush of 4.1 yards per rush. The only running back that out-performed him was his teammate from USC Vavae Malepeai. Coastal Carolina’s Shermari Jones and Oregon State’s BJ Baylor also participated in the game and each found rushing yards at a premium. Both of those backs rushed for over 1,000 yards this season.</p>
<p id="LnfehR">Koback had the biggest play of the first half when he broke off a rush of 36 yards. The play was an I-formation hand-off to the outside of the right guard. The linebackers crept forward, following the fullback to the left, and Koback blew by them. A safety took a good angle and made sure he was pushed out of bounds.</p>
<p id="MQYvvG">It wasn’t all great for Koback. Outside of the long run, he was bottled up pretty well by some pretty good linebackers, and he fumbled a ball in the third quarter that was recovered by the defense. The National team turned that possession into a game-tying touchdown.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dXHDnZ">
<h2 id="t6FOvH"><strong>National</strong></h2>
<ul><li id="sIh4ju"><strong>Kalil Pimpleton, WR, Central Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="Y2ZjiS">Kalil Pimpleton caught four passes for 21 yards and one first down conversion. He lead the National team in passes caught for the game, even if they were for short yardages. </p>
<p id="xibtTP">He was able to show off his hands, hanging onto a pass while being hit from behind while airborne. That will be an important skill to showcase for a receiver that is on the smaller side for the NFL.</p>
<p id="nUlYon">Not all of his performance showed up on the stat sheet. A bubble screen that went for 7 yards and a first down was called back on a pretty egregious holding by the wide receiver in front of him, and his screen blocking gave a running back space for a first down. There were more opportunities for him to catch a pass in the middle of the field, but those routes went untargeted.</p>
<p id="kc5hat">There were accomplished pass catchers that he outperformed on his own team, like Brandon Johnson. Johnson is a wide receiver from UCF that broke out for 11 touchdowns in 2021. Lance McCutcheon out of Montana State only had three catches but went for 49 yards. McCutcheon was a force at the FCS level with a total of 1,219 yards and 9 touchdowns.</p>
<ul><li id="eNiMbP"><strong>Michael Caliendo, IOL, Western Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="TqTeVa">The National Team platooned their offensive line units and Michael Caliendo played mainly in the second and fourth quarters. Given the scheme that the defense was allowed to play, he was not assigned a tough task in pass protection. That being said, he also did not allow a pressure and helped his guards often.</p>
<p id="MZ8OQ5">Caliendo did get to show his athleticism on a couple of screen passes, and he did a good job finding a defender in space and making a block each time. </p>
<p id="CkjlJh">He was active in finding a target and driving forward on run plays. A couple of the plays weren’t pretty but he was still effective, he did not allow a tackle for loss. Overall, he had a good showing during the game. </p>
<ul><li id="rVswas"><strong>Samuel Womack, CB, Toledo</strong></li></ul>
<p id="2bEr3B">Samuel Womack did not play in the game. It’s not clear why, but he was <a href="https://twitter.com/JWillz2020/status/1487606164615430147?s=20&t=cXN-Avr1RcGNCCmOcG9qxw">on the field in street clothes</a>.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/2/1/22908483/2022-nflpa-collegiate-bowl-stats-and-analysis-bryant-koback-kalil-pimpleton-mike-caliendo-sam-womackandrewpearson132022-01-28T10:00:00-05:002022-01-28T10:00:00-05:005 former Mid-American Conference players to participate in 2022 Senior Bowl
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Senior Bowl" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YpZSrAAzs8CjPWdGkhxPRMEL0no=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70443507/usa_today_10569509.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Jets and Lions will get a look at several former #MACtion stars in Mobile this week, with five players looking to impress the NFL scouts.</p> <p id="ASohdM">The Reese’s Senior Bowl is set to kick off once again from Hancock Whitley Stadium in Mobile, Alabama this upcoming week, as the nation’s best draft-eligible seniors will look to ply their craft under two active NFL coaching staffs and make a great impression on the assembled scouts. </p>
<p id="NzyGFB">This year will see a good handful of changes to what is considered the premier collegiate all-star game on the circuit, with second-year head coaches Robert Saleh (New York Jets) and Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions) taking more of an advisory role to allow their assistant coaches chances to get experience at higher positions for future resume-building. Each team will also be assigned two minority coach fellowship guest coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with Virginia State head coach Reggie Barlow, Morgan State head coach Tyrone Wheatley, South Carolina State defensive coordinator/LB coach Jonathan Saxon, and Jackson State offensive coordinator/TE coach T.C. Taylor eligible to participate in team meetings, film sessions and practices.</p>
<p id="KIkyTZ">This edition of the Senior Bowl will see the Jets coaching the National Team, which has four former MAC players as prospects, while the Lions will coach the American Team, which rosters one former MAC player. The staffs will do a “team swap” practice on Friday, ensuring coaches are able to have a look at all the players available at the Senior Bowl.</p>
<p id="pC97Cq">Here are brief profiles on all five participants:</p>
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<h2 id="HWL2Z6">National Team: Jets</h2>
<ul><li id="Rz2Xfm"><strong>Bernhard Raimann, OG/OT, Central Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="yASMpw">Austrian import Bernhard Raimann is one of the most intriguing prospects at the Senior Bowl, as the tight end-turned-offensive tackle is being mocked by some prognosticators to go as early as the first round of the draft. </p>
<p id="kyhtXR">Initially a tight end in his first two seasons, Raimann converted to tackle in the 2020 COVID season and immediately won the job, never giving it back until opting out of the Sun Bowl in December 2021. During the 2021 season, he was listed as one of <em>The Athletic</em>’s <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2758595%2F2021%2F08%2F09%2Fbruce-feldmans-2021-college-football-freaks-list%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hustlebelt.com%2F2022%2F1%2F28%2F22901534%2F5-former-mid-american-conference-players-to-participate-in-2022-senior-bowl" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">“College Football Freaks”</a> and has steadily risen from a late Day 3 project to perhaps an immediate safe bet contributor in Day 1 or 2.</p>
<p id="EWaze6">At six-foot-seven, 305 lbs., Raimann exhibits prototypical size for the position, and was a first-team all-MAC selection in 2021, showing great potential as an all-around lineman. Raimann’s game is in explosive athleticism and flexibility, as he is able to use his speed to make quick reads and meet defenders at the point of attack. Raimann was a particular punisher in the run game, using his leverage to take advantage of defensive mistakes.</p>
<p id="Nbrusc">Raimann still has a lot to learn at the NFL level, mostly with using his hands and having more consistent footwork, an understandable worry with just 18 starts at the tackle position, but under the right coaching staff, he could become an immediate contributor from Day 1.</p>
<ul><li id="uKWjjW"><strong>Luke Goedeke, OG/OT, Central Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="NGSqZX">Raimann isn’t the only CMU lineman prospect who’s gotten attention from pro scouts, as Luke Goedeke, who played at the opposite tackle spot, has played well enough to get into the draft conversation himself, earning first-team all-MAC honors in 2021.</p>
<p id="1LDrdc">A former tight end transfer from Division III Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Goedeke relies on his defensive lineman background from high school to match up against his assignments, using excellent hand grip and lower body strength to keep up traps and move opposition out of the play. He’s still raw at the position, with only 24 starts while seeing no action in 2018 (conversion) and 2020 (knee injury.) He also has length concerns which makes a move to the inside likely as a pro. But optimistic projections look at the athleticism and film and say he’s still worth a look in Day 2 as a high motor pass protector with good starter potential.</p>
<ul><li id="P013vM"><strong>Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami</strong></li></ul>
<p id="w9SWfG">A former high school quarterback who converted to receiver when he first stepped foot in Oxford, Robinson found a home on the defensive side of the ball in 2020, settling in as an edge rusher.</p>
<p id="IK7Q8Y">At six-foot-four, 256 lbs., Robinson was a natural fit at the position after putting on weight, finishing his defensive career with 29 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, six sacks, four QB hits and a pass defensed in 15 games. Robinson showed great potential at the position with his length and speed especially translating. It says a lot that he’s at the Senior Bowl despite a lack of games at the position; his sheer athleticism gives him a great ceiling at the professional level if he lands in the right situation.</p>
<p id="lMyWWW">Robinson could be a Day 3 prospect or a priority free agent.</p>
<ul><li id="c0GqiR"><strong>Sterling Weatherford, DB/LB, Miami</strong></li></ul>
<p id="MRjeqD">Sterling Weatherford will be lining up at linebacker for the Senior Bowl after seeing time at safety and various hybrid positions at Miami, a move which is intriguing as it was likely requested by various NFL teams when assembling the roster.</p>
<p id="Yuwtgj">Weatherford was one of the MAC’s strongest— and surest— tacklers, finishing his career with 209 tackles, including 131 solo stops in 41 games. Weatherford also collected 10.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, four interceptions, 23 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries as a key part of Miami’s defensive and special teams efforts. He finished 2021 as a second-team all-MAC defensive back.</p>
<p id="uXrUur">Weatherford possess great speed and discipline for a tweener, with a knack for reading offensive formations. A true thumper in every sense of the word, Weatherford is especially adept at filling run gaps and getting into the backfield while also possessing the speed to go back in coverage when necessary. He could be somewhat limited, in the end, by a lack of true sideline-to-sideline range at the pro level, but he should be a more specialized player at the NFL level, so it won’t be a major concern.</p>
<p id="gss8Dm">Weatherford projects as a Day 2 prospect, perhaps as high as the third or fourth round, with immediate potential in a special teams role.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4piXGn">
<h2 id="8MgSmQ">American Team: Lions</h2>
<ul><li id="xx3mcd"><strong>Tycen Anderson, SAF, Toledo</strong></li></ul>
<p id="0DopQo">The only MAC member on the American roster, Tycen Anderson has been a steady presence in the Rocket defensive backfield since 2017, having played every game available since his true freshman campaign. </p>
<p id="YzD47x">The hometown hero finished his five years of service with 234 tackles (134 solo), nine tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two interceptions, 20 passes defensed and a forced fumble, with a first-team all-MAC selection at defensive back for a crucial 2021 season despite playing only seven regular season games. Anderson also has a second-team all-MAC selection in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, showing his growth as a prospect at the box safety position.</p>
<p id="KGoXtR">Anderson has played a lot of zone in Toledo, so he will need to show some man-on-man ability in Mobile this week, but he is an adequate and decent tackler who shows pro-level speed and awareness with room for coaching. He does not have as high of a ceiling as Sterling Weatherford, say, but he could be a steady pro down the line in the right situation. </p>
<p id="ovJ1Xy">Anderson projects to be a Day 3 pick at present, and could improve his spot with a good showing. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rox4CE">
<p id="OeTcuZ">The Reese’s Senior Bowl kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. local) and will air on NFL Network. </p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/1/28/22901534/5-former-mid-american-conference-players-to-participate-in-2022-senior-bowlJames H. Jimenez2022-01-27T13:00:00-05:002022-01-27T13:00:00-05:004 former Mid-American Conference players to participate in 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl
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<img alt="East-West Shrine Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4X1fZ_J6MUTu1sixxBhUh-E1R3s=/0x0:6060x4040/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70439880/1096689376.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Four MAC players are going to the East-West Shrine Bowl on February 3. Each has an opportunity to impress current NFL assistants coaching in the game. </p> <p id="4ODmJs">The first Shrine Bowl was played in 1925, and on Thursday, February 3, the 97th game is set to kick off. This year’s game will be played in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada at 8 p.m. EST. (6 p.m. local time.)</p>
<p id="VO6UdH">This game has a major selling point for the players that some of the other all-star games don’t have. These guys are going to have at least some input on the draft process and who to bring in as an undrafted free agent.</p>
<p id="CjV9fZ">Most of the coaches participating in this game are current NFL assistants, with Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach D’Anton Lynn tabbed head coach for the East team and Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Marcus Brady for the West. </p>
<p id="Kcg7Ub">There is a major opportunity to get noticed here, as the game will be aired on the NFL Network.</p>
<p id="EziIz8">The MAC players that have accepted invites are an interesting group. Dustin Crum and Ali Fayad are two of the best in the MAC. Armani Rogers and Clint Ratkovich have come to the MAC via transfer and certainly left their mark in a short window of time.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="16Ndeg">
<h1 id="WiwT2B"><strong>East</strong></h1>
<ul><li id="M17dcd"><strong>Dustin Crum, QB, Kent State</strong></li></ul>
<p id="ABNHwG">Dustin Crum has been the starting quarterback for the Golden Flashes since the 2019 season. For three years, Crum has been a dual-threat quarterback leading the high tempo Kent State offense. Crum lead the MAC in 2021 in total offense with 3,187 passing yards and 703 rushing yards. In his career, he passed for 7,449 yards, 55 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, and rushed for 2,071 yards with 24 touchdowns.</p>
<p id="fcPaRA">It’s a real shame that 2020 wasn’t a full season. Crum averaged 295 passing yards per game with a stellar 74% completion percentage. That was good for First Team All-MAC in 2020 and he did it again in 2021. Crum also won the Vern Smith Leadership Award in 2021, which is given to the most valuable player in the conference as voted on by the coaches.</p>
<p id="UoctuS">Dustin Crum is a former two-star recruit from Grafton, Ohio, and has had some truly special performances as the quarterback of the Flashes since beating out former four-star SEC prospect Woody Barrett III for the starting role in 2019. In a three-way race for the MAC East title against Miami and Buffalo, Crum passed for 325 yards and two touchdowns and 407 yards and three touchdowns in wins against both teams. Crum lead Kent State back to their first MAC Championship Game since 2012.</p>
<p id="krFsHL">Crum has an outside chance at getting drafted in Day 3, though he will more likely be an undrafted free agent or minicamp tryout.</p>
<ul><li id="e9HZgS"><strong>Ali Fayad, EDGE, Western Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="vVH4BV">Ali Fayad is listed at the Shrine Bowl as a linebacker, but his time at Western Michigan was spent as a defensive end, where he was an absolute sack machine. Over five seasons with the Broncos, Fayad totaled 32.5 sacks and 55.5 tackles for loss. </p>
<p id="uS1Wio">He is quite the development story for Western Michigan. A product of Dearborn, Michigan, Fayad was not highly touted out of high school. He chose Western Michigan over Eastern Michigan and D-II Saginaw Valley State. As a freshman, he saw time in the defensive line rotation and registered at least one tackle for loss in five games. In 2021, by far his best season, he got to the quarterback 13 times.</p>
<p id="IsUyj5">Fayad has pretty high floor as a pass rusher in the MAC. His 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss earned the 2021 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Award and First Team All-MAC to add on to his Second Team All-MAC honors form 2019. His performances were extremely consistent, with game highs of two sacks and 4.5 tackles-for-loss, registering at least half a sack in 30 of his 49 games played.</p>
<p id="7Wsa31">He’ll get some looks as a potential 3-4 outside linebacker, standing at six-foot-two, 250 lbs., which will affect his draft status.</p>
<ul><li id="189pKk"><strong>Armani Rogers, QB/TE, Ohio</strong></li></ul>
<p id="A3vMe7">Armani Rogers is attempting an even more drastic position change to get to the next level. He was recruited originally to UNLV as a dual-threat quarterback. After the 2019 season, Rogers transferred to Ohio to finish his career as a Bobcat. He split time at the quarterback spot over the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Rogers is entering the Shrine Bowl as a tight end.</p>
<p id="NoXWqs">As a quarterback in 2021, he attempted 47 passes and 92 rushes. He passed for a total of 334 yards and ran for 552 yards. He is clearly an athletic football. In his college career, he rushed for an average of 5.5 yards and 2,215 yards total. Against Buffalo, he <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1449415287191838720?s=20">ripped off a 99-yard touchdown run</a>. He finished that game with 183 total rush yards.</p>
<p id="Rl8DAQ">Rogers has two career receptions for a total of two yards. With the ball in his hands, he can clearly take off and make plays. It’s some of the other skills that a tight end should possess that are going to be raw coming into the Shrine Bowl. </p>
<p id="sxhDGB">He has the height of a tight end, standing at six-foot-five, but is under the average for tight end weight. Luckily, that is the one of those two that can be changed. He is a prime candidate at 225 lbs. as of this season. He’ll be looking to take advantage of working with current NFL assistants. </p>
<p id="piiqag">Rogers doesn’t have to look far for a success story for the QB/TE transition, as former Buffalo dual threat QB Tyree Jackson has recently done the same at the professional level for the Philadelphia Eagles after three years at QB between the NFL and XFL.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="31NCNJ">
<h1 id="w6fvxo"><strong>West</strong></h1>
<ul><li id="64gpSE"><strong>Clint Ratkovich, FB, Northern Illinois</strong></li></ul>
<p id="OPh8pp">There aren’t many teams who roster fullbacks anymore, but Clint Ratkovich did more than enough to earn himself a roster spot at NIU. True to the position’s potential, he is a touchdown machine, scoring 15 total touchdowns in his lone season in DeKalb. He came to the Huskies via FCS Western Illinois, where he was a versatile back with 66 rushes and 111 receptions.</p>
<p id="BEeqO1">Ratkovich was named to the Third Team All-MAC in 2021 after a 104 rush, 461 yard season, adding on 13 receptions for 113 yards. He had a three-touchdown game against Wyoming and broke a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HQJvR-NrLk%24t=49m56s">96-yard touchdown run</a> in the season finale against Western Michigan.</p>
<p id="qT9Vif">He came from Crete, Illinois and was a consistent performer all season. His totals might not be towards the top of the MAC, but he was third on Huskies in all-purpose yards, doing anything the team needed him to do from the fullback, halfback and quarterback positions. </p>
<p id="IfpFNm">Ratkovich could be a true fullback or pass-catching H-back at the professional level, and will get some looks in minicamps due to his versatility.</p>
<p id="8Yku5P"></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/1/27/22902877/2022-east-west-shrine-bowl-dustin-crum-ali-fayad-clint-ratkovich-armani-rogersandrewpearson132022-01-24T17:00:00-05:002022-01-24T17:00:00-05:004 former Mid-American Conference players to participate in 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
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<img alt="NCAA FOOTBALL: JAN 21 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z3rxA89a7nzOWKzRgpc4t5ZWAG8=/0x6:3000x2006/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70427302/632345446.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Four of the top players in the MAC have accepted offers to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 29th. Each looks to capitalize on the opportunity in the all-star showcase.</p> <p id="GdENoa">The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is being played on January 29, at 6 p.m. EST in the Rose Bowl. This is the 10th edition of the all-star showcase. </p>
<p id="nVWJ2C">Super Bowl-winning coach Marvin Lewis is the head coach of the National Team, Jonathan Hayes and Rod Woodson fill out the staff as offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator respectively.</p>
<p id="2Ro7B7">For the American Team, Jeff Fisher, Duane Taylor, and Wade Phillips take the head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator jobs. Wade Phillips and Jonathan Hayes are each participating in their second all-star game this year.</p>
<p id="qDgLqh">The game can be seen on the NFL Network.</p>
<p id="9wdkIe">Four MAC players will use the practice time with NFL coaches and in front of NFL scouts to improve their draft stock for April’s draft.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Khdwxd">
<h1 id="WiwT2B"><strong>National Team</strong></h1>
<ul><li id="M17dcd"><strong>Bryant Koback, RB, Toledo</strong></li></ul>
<p id="yktcCy">Bryant Koback rushed for 1400 yards, which is good for second-most in the MAC this season and a selection to the All-MAC First Team. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be his second all-star showcase game this season, which is a rare happening for any collegiate prospect. He played in the Hula Bowl on January 15 and was named the Offensive MVP for Team Kai.</p>
<p id="Ky2zOs">He has had a great college career as a Rocket. Koback is fourth on the Rockets career rushing yards list with 4,026 yards, and second in career rushing touchdowns at 45. He averaged 6 yards per rush or more in three of his four seasons in Toledo. In his final two seasons, he proved he can be a weapon in the passing game by catching 54 total passes for 562 yards and 5 touchdowns. In the final month of the 2021 season, Koback became unstoppable with 639 yards and 10 touchdowns under the weeknight lights.</p>
<p id="PbQ0H6">He came to Toledo by way of transfer from Kentucky. He transferred after one season and recorded no stats. He chose the Wildcats over offers from Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue, Syracuse, and Toledo.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9Dj5H1">
<h1 id="FQvHrL"><strong>American Team</strong></h1>
<ul><li id="iBss8p"><strong>Kalil Pimpleton, WR/PR, Central Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="8j4dHG">Kalil Pimpleton is the 2021 MAC Special Teams Player of the Year and a two-time All-MAC First Team wide receiver. Once in 2019 and again this season.</p>
<p id="v3Zdbd">Pimpleton is electric with the football. Central Michigan found as many ways as possible to get him the football this season, and he finished 6th in the conference in all-purpose yards. The best single-game example of what Pimpleton brings to the field was against Western Michigan. He returned two punts for touchdowns, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebgOF1lGW6A&t=5m25s">one for 70 yards</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebgOF1lGW6A&t=6m34s">another for 97 yards</a>, and had 5 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. This season he finished with 62 catches for 960 yards with 4 touchdowns, a healthy 15.5 yards per catch average.</p>
<p id="BMYD5W">Pimpleton is originally from Muskegon, Michigan, and was a three-star recruit. He originally went to Virginia Tech after receiving only two offers. After one season in Blacksburg, he transferred to Central Michigan.</p>
<ul><li id="gmFARL"><strong>Michael Caliendo, C, Western Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="hmyO7L">Michael Caliendo is a center for the Western Michigan Broncos and comes from the Land of Lineman: Wisconsin. He was recruited to Kalamazoo by PJ Fleck in the class of 2016. He took a redshirt season and never missed a game after that.</p>
<p id="AUjsAP">Caliendo has appeared in every game since the 2017 season. He has started every game for the Broncos since 2018. That is an incredible testament to his durability and some luck mixed into that streak. </p>
<p id="5DNk6z">At 6’4” and 300lbs, Caliendo meets the minimum requirements for a lineman that is looking to make the jump to the NFL. He has been named to the All-MAC First Team twice and Second Team once. He’s got the size, the smarts and the skills to earn a roster spot at the next level; he has, in fact, turned down medical school offers to see what he can do at the professional level. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is where Caliendo will start making an impression with NFL scouts and evaluators.</p>
<ul><li id="r3T9kl"><strong>Samuel Womack, CB, Toledo</strong></li></ul>
<p id="9PaXCz">Samuel Womack is the MAC leader in passes defended for 2021, 2020 and 2019. His interception total isn’t incredibly high (5), but the cumulative career of passes defended (48) is the current career record at Toledo. That number could be and should be higher with only 6 games played in 2020.</p>
<p id="fyDMvm">Leading the conference in the dominant stat for the position group for three consecutive seasons is quite the feat. He finished the rest of his career stat line with 124 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovered. Womack also earned All-MAC First Team this season for the first time in his career. </p>
<p id="10ddXI">Samuel Womack came to Toledo from East English Village Prep in Detroit, Michigan. For a player whose records are going to be hard to beat, he came out of nowhere. Womack joined the Rocket program as a preferred walk-on in 2017 and earned a scholarship before the next season. </p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/1/24/22894326/four-midamerican-conference-players-2022-nflpa-collegiate-bowl-kalil-pimpleton-bryant-koback-womackandrewpearson132022-01-14T20:30:00-05:002022-01-14T20:30:00-05:009 former MAC football players to participate in 2022 Spiral Tropical Bowl
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 01 Citrus Bowl - Michigan v Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/00EgDFJzovpGqmRlmYJgkUdYJT4=/0x0:6720x4480/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70392583/1191314190.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Spiral Tropical Bowl, kicking off in Orlando on Saturday, includes the most MAC alum to play a collegiate all-star game in the 2022 campaign.</p> <p id="XXKaOL">The Spiral Tropical Bowl has reached its sixth year as a postseason collegiate all-star game, and the 2022 version is set to have four former Mid-American Conference stars in featuring roles.</p>
<p id="4mg53r">During the week, participants have the chance to interact with coaches and scouts from various pro leagues, including the Canadian Football League, XFL, United States Football League and Arena Football for interview opportunities and combine workouts, with film of the practices and combine session forwarded to NFL scouts afterwards.</p>
<p id="9CxBxu">If you’re interested in watching the game, it is set for a 4 p.m. Eastern time/3 p.m. Central time kickoff from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and will be a streaming-exclusive broadcast, with a <a href="https://www.tropicalbowl.com/tv">$19.99 pay-per-view set-up</a> provided by Florida-based varsity Sports Network. </p>
<p id="KefyZc">Here are the nine players set to take part in the event, per the Tropical Bowl website:</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dEsINS">
<h2 id="Tv6Tyf">Team National</h2>
<ul><li id="lED4j7"><strong>Drew Plitt, QB, Ball State</strong></li></ul>
<p id="Lfibkq">A three-year starter for Ball State after the transfer of Riley Neal to Vanderbilt, Plitt, a Loveland, Ohio native, leaves Muncie as a MAC champion in 2020, while also finishing amongst the top of Ball State QBs in several passing categories.</p>
<p id="5Xukfr">The 2021 campaign saw Plitt throw for 2,541 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions on a 60 percent completion rating, his second-best statistical season next to his breakout 2019 season. Plitt made it to the all-MAC list in 2020 as second-team QB after leading Ball State to the MAC title in the pandemic-shortened season, averaging 270 yards per game through the air. He was also smart as they come, hitting the academic all-MAC list three-straight times from 2018 to 2020. (The 2021 list is not out as of publication.)</p>
<p id="12kJ7Y">Plitt finishes his career at Ball State with 9,062 passing yards for 68 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, while also picking up 14 rushing touchdowns.</p>
<ul><li id="krLAQk"><strong>Alvinoski LaFleur, DB, Eastern Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="jYWRS0">“Noski” LaFleur anchored an unconventional EMU defense for Chris Creighton from the safety position, earning all-MAC first-team honors in the 2020 season in his first full season as an Eagle after transferring from Coffeyville [KS] CC. </p>
<p id="ixuZW6">The Lake Charles, Louisiana native finished the 2021 season with 51 tackles, including 1.5 tackles-for-loss and sacks, one fumble forced and one fumble recovered in 11 games. Over his career, LaFleur proved a confident tackler, finishing with 104 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, three interceptions, six passes defenses, three forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles.</p>
<ul><li id="5fhhMM"><strong>Troy Hairston II, EDGE, Central Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="r5JdEI">Perhaps the most intriguing MAC player (or overall player) in the Tropical Bowl, Troy Hairston II, the pride of Birmingham, Michigan, will look to impress pro scouts with a good performance in Orlando. </p>
<p id="dQHbRO">The MAC co-defensive player of the year in 2020 nearly duplicated his efforts in 2021, finishing with all-MAC honors for the second year in a row after collecting 55 tackles, 17.5 tackles-for-loss, seven QB hits and a forced fumble. It is a truly unbelievable effort for any player, but especially for a walk-on who joined the team in 2018 as an outside linebacker.</p>
<p id="TBExlY">Hairston finished his career in Mt. Pleasant with a dominant performance in the Sun Bowl, with 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks (with another called back due to penalty.) Over his career, Hairston collected 129 tackles, 34 tackles-for-loss, 16.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 12 QB hits and a fumble recovery.</p>
<p id="7FF6xK">Hairston is a potential undrafted free agent option despite his undersized body type (as he is five-foot-eleven, 245 lbs.)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="oSDtHs">
<h2 id="QTfnx7">Team American</h2>
<ul><li id="CfBJfC"><strong>Bryce Nunnelly, WR/KR, Western Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="BUQFmd">Nunnelly was one-and-done with the Broncos, transferring in as a graduate from FCS-level UT-Chattanooga in the 2021 offseason. Prior to his stay in Kalamazoo, Nunnelly was one of the Mocs’ most productive receivers in recent memory, with 152 receptions and 2,242 receiving yards, good for seventh and third in program history, respectively. Nunnelly was an all-first-team SoCon receiver in his sophomore and junior seasons.</p>
<p id="yuV1ad">The Cleveland, Tennessee native was primarily a kick and punt return specialist for the Broncos, with 205 yards on 20 combined returns. He was also WR4 for WMU, with 10 receptions for 114 yards. </p>
<ul><li id="NGqQG8"><strong>AJ Thomas, LB/DB, Western Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="ugDAeU">AJ Thomas wore many hats on the WMU defense, rotating between safety, linebacker and cornerback for the Broncos through the course of his career. A four-sport athlete in high school, the six-foot-two, 220 lb. Detroit native finished with 53 tackles, including one tackle-for-loss in 2021, with five pass breakups.</p>
<p id="Gl8PqA">Thomas was an important part of the Broncos rotation of linebackers, which had two all-MAC backers in 2021 and several more in seasons prior. Over his four seasons, Thomas finished with 214 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two interceptions, two recovered fumbles and 16 pass break-ups.</p>
<ul><li id="HcYZyf"><strong>Nykeim Johnson, WR, Kent State</strong></li></ul>
<p id="mlAnaG">Johnson, a graduate transfer from Syracuse via Washington, D.C., spent the 2021 campaign with Kent State, converting 54 receptions for 630 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver in the Golden Flashes’ divisional run. Johnson also added 10 rushes for 82 yards and two touchdowns as well, proving to be an effective weapon for Sean Lewis’ offense. </p>
<p id="9ui0DT">Johnson was a second-team all-ACC kick returner in 2020 at Syracuse, with 88 receptions for 1,055 yards and eight touchdowns in three seasons as a receiver.</p>
<ul><li id="bgKwr3"><strong>Christian Albright. LB, Ball State</strong></li></ul>
<p id="HDXsI9">Albright was a stalwart of the Ball State defense in his tenure in Muncie, with 48 straight starts over four seasons of play from the linebacker position. Albright landed on the all-MAC list twice in his career, with a third-team appearance in 2018 and a second-team appearance in 2020. </p>
<p id="Ed1zdV">Albright shared the linebacking responsibilities with fellow Card Brandon Martin (2020 MAC co-defensive player of the year) for much of his career, and made good for himself, amassing 260 tackles, 33.5 tackles-for-loss, 16.5 sacks, two interceptions, 13 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles and three recoveries over 57 games played in a Cardinals uniform. </p>
<p id="97mQyu">In 2021, Albright had 65 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, three passes defensed and a forced fumble. </p>
<ul><li id="X37HYT"><strong>TJ Jackson, OL, Ohio</strong></li></ul>
<p id="xxwf8b">TJ Jackson, a Virginia Tech graduate transfer, was a rotational interior lineman for the Bobcats in 2021, participating in all 12 games. Prior to Ohio, Jackson picked up 24 games of participation and two starts. The Cumberland, Virginia native stands at six-foot-seven, 375 lbs., making him an intriguing, but raw, project tackle/guard option at the next level.</p>
<ul><li id="olULGq"><strong>Mike VanHoeven, Eastern Michigan</strong></li></ul>
<p id="6eDnLT">The six-foot-five, 298 lb. offensive lineman from Paw Paw, Michigan, will look for his next stop in their football journey after six seasons in Ypsilanti by participating in this game. Mike VanHoeven collected 45 starts for the Eagles in 67 possible appearances. Understood to be one of the better pass protecting centers in the MAC, with previous experience as a guard and tackle as well, dating back to high school.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2022/1/14/22884051/four-midamerican-conference-football-players-to-participate-in-2022-spiral-tropical-bowlJames H. Jimenez