NFL Draft Watch: Bowl Game Prospects
All Access Football previews the major bowl games on tap with an extensive look at top 2025 NFL Draft prospects in action. Plus, draft risers from the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Volume XXIV Edition LXXXVI || NFL Draft Watch: Bowl Game Prospects
Welcome to the December 23, 2024 edition of the All Access Football Newsletter, Presented By Sports Management Worldwide, now offering SMWW Sports Analytics & AI Course.
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF TOP PERFORMERS
While many of the media pundits waited until AFTER the results of the first round to voice their dismay with the College Football Playoff committee, we aired our beef publicly when the playoff teams were first announced. For the integrity of the game, the NCAA must either reconsider who is on the selection panel, or what criteria is taken into consideration and/or both! The expanded format has created an interesting debate: Are 12 teams too many or are the individuals chosen for the committee unqualified? The bottom line is, changes need to be made. Again. For the better.
Below are some of the top performers from the first round of the College Football Playoff (photo: NCAA):
QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame, Sr, 6035, 212, 4.52: After an interception on the first series, Leonard showed true poise against Indiana with an efficient performance. He completed 23-of-32 passes, for 201 yards, showcasing his precise passing skills. Leonard would also add an additional score via the ground, setting a single-season school record for quarterbacks with his 15th rushing touchdown of the year. Due to his extensive experience and ability to move the chains, Leonard continues to ascend.
TE Gunnar Helm, Texas, Sr, 6051, 252, 4.75: A key cog in the Longhorns offense all season, Helm notched a team-high six catches, for 77 receiving yards and one touchdown during their win over Clemson. Helm shows no fear going over the middle and set a single-season school record for receptions by a tight end with 54 on the year. Described as the ultimate team culture type, the Colorado native projects as a solid mid-round pick and has been invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
ER Abdul Carter, Penn State, Jr, 6022, 250, 4.55: The dynamic Carter made sure to make his presence felt in the Nittany Lions dominating win over SMU. His elite athleticism and bend were on full display, as Carter managed two tackles for loss, including one and a half sacks. He now has 11 sacks on the season, matching his total of the two previous years combined. Expect Carter to continue to wreak havoc in round two and be in contention as the top defensive player off the board come April.
ER JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State, Sr, 6041, 268, 4.80: More of a power pass-rusher, Tuimoloau utilized his brute strength to manhandle the Tennessee hog mollies on his way to eight tackles, including two sacks, guiding the Buckeyes to victory. Tuimoloau displayed a vast array of moves, including his signature bull rush, along with a rip and dip, which caused a momentum changing strip-sack fumble. The Washington native now has eight sacks on the season and is a potential first round selection.
ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL CONSULTING
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PERSONALIZED BALDYS BREAKDOWNS WITH AAF CONSULTING
Seeking to enhance your visibility? Whether you're a player in need of film critique, or an agent or parent involved in the pre-draft phase, Baldy's Personalized Breakdowns offer a detailed, focused film analysis tailored to individual clients. Having been watched by millions, these breakdowns are highly regarded by NFL decision-makers. Boost your draft prospects with the authoritative endorsement of Brian Baldinger.
*For all inquiries please contact Ric Serritella: ric@allaccessfootball.com
NCAA BOWL GAME PROSPECT PREVIEW
Gotta love it! Nothing says bowl season more than an 11am eastern kickoff on a Monday Monday morning. In fact, we have a Monday bowl game double-header on tap, followed by the Hawaii Bowl on Tuesday. Our scouting department has highlighted the top prospect to keep an eye on in each matchup below.
We’ll be back on Wednesday with a special Christmas edition of the All Access Football Newsletter, as we take a deep dive into the remainder bowl games on tap.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: MYRTLE BEACH BOWL
COASTAL CAROLINA CHANTICLEERS vs UTSA ROADRUNNERS
Brooks Stadium (Conway, South Carolina) || Monday, December 23, 2024 || 11:00am ESPN
DT Will Whitson, Coastal Carolina, rSr, 6046, 285, 4.80: A nimble, quick interior presence, Whitson has the size and bend to win in the trenches and create backfield pressure. The JUCO college transfer has worked his way onto the NFL radar and his versatility will allow him to fit into any scheme in the pros but he’ll certainly need to add some additional bulk.
CB Zah Frazier, UTSA, rJr, 6025, 185, 4.52: One of the longer cornerbacks in this year’s draft class, Frazier thrives in contested catches thanks to his A-plus height. He set a school record with six interceptions this past season, earning an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl. Frazier looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow Roadrunner Tariq Woolen (Seahawks).
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL
NORTHERN ILLINOIS HUSKIES vs FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS
Albertsons Stadium (Boise, Idaho) || Monday, December 23, 2024 || 2:30pm ESPN
RB Antario Brown, Northern Illinois, Sr, 5096, 221, 4.53: Best known for his 183 total yard performance during the Huskies upset win over Notre Dame, including an 83-yard touchdown catch, Brown demonstrates excellent patience. His willingness to pound the rock between the tackles and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield make him a next level prospect. Update: Unfortunately, Brown is not listed on the depth chart for this game (injury).
S Dean Clark, Fresno State, rSr, 6005, 206, 4.50: An under the radar prospect on the mainstream, Clark is well-known within the scouting community due to his size, speed and nose for the ball. He enters the bowl game one tackle shy of 300 for his career, including a 117-tackle campaign during his junior year at Kent State. Clark possesses top-flight athleticism and is expected to test in the top percentile.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: HAWAII BOWL
SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS vs SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS
Clarence T.C. Ching Stadium (Honolulu,HI) || Tuesday, December 24, 2024 || 8:00pm ESPN
QB Byrum Brown, South Florida, Jr, 6030, 219, 4.58: Sidelined since late September due to a lower left leg injury, reports have indicated that Brown will give it a go in the bowl game. He accounted for 4,101 yards and 37 touchdowns a year ago. With his size, leadership and dual-threat capability, Brown will have an opportunity to stake claim as a first round candidate for the 2026 NFL Draft.
WR Nick Nash, San Jose State, rSr, 6021, 195, 4.58: The FBS leader in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdowns, Nash is a raw, developing player who has only been playing the position full-time for a few seasons. The former quarterback possesses great height and displays phenomenal ball skills. A projected Day 3 prospect, Nash has committed to play in the Hula Bowl next month.
*Programming Alert: Catch All Access Football founder Ric Serritella on Sports Rage with host Gabriel Morency, as they talk NFL Draft all-year round! Airing every Tuesday night at 10pm eastern on SIRIUSXM 159 and Sports Grid TV.
SENIOR BOWL SCOUT SCHOOL WITH AAF
Monday, January 27 - Wednesday, January 29, 2025 || Mobile, Alabama
"A Three-Day Scouting Program Tailored to Enhance Your Evaluation Skills."
The Founding Member subscription is exclusive to the first 15 registrants. Prepare for an elite scouting adventure with Baldy & Ric at the Reese's Senior Bowl. Dive into the action on the field and gain invaluable, firsthand insights from Baldy & Ric throughout the event. Experience the scouting process in Mobile, the epicenter of the football world, where you could encounter some unexpected and influential figures during your journey. We look forward to seeing you there!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
January 27: Senior Bowl Meet & Greet Mixer At Veets Bar & Grill Sponsored By Sports Management Worldwide (upstairs private party room).
January 28-29: Shadow scouts and rub elbows with NFL executives on-site at Senior Bowl practices during the day. Classroom film sessions at night, featuring Baldy’s Breakdowns.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
All Access Football Scouting Manual
All Access Football Annual Pass (12 Baldy’s Breakdown Seminars)
Copy of 2025 NFL Draft Bible PDF
Reese’s Senior Bowl Swag Bag (Notebook/Gear)
All Access Football Apprenticeship Certificate (Upon Completion)
Attendees will be guided by Baldy & Ric and hear from industry stalwarts such as Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy and legendary scout Mark Gorscak.
JIM NAGY || Since 2018, Jim Nagy has served as the executive director of the Reese's Senior Bowl, overseeing both the football and business aspects while highlighting the top senior college football talents in the nation. Prior to this role, he accumulated 18 years of experience as an NFL scout, contributing to four Super Bowl victories with teams including the Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl XXXI), New England Patriots (Super Bowls XXXVIII & XXXIX), and Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl XLVIII). Additionally, Nagy has held scouting positions with the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders.
MARK GORSCAK || With a 28-year tenure as a scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gorscak contributed to two Super Bowl victories (XL & XLIII). After retiring from the NFL in 2023, he joined the scouting team for the Senior Bowl. He remains well-known for starting the forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine, a role he has fulfilled for over two decades. Before his NFL career, Gorscak spent 16 years coaching at both high school and college levels. He also holds the honor of being the inaugural General Manager of the Pittsburgh Gladiators (AFL) and was awarded the C.O. Brocato Memorial Award for Lifetime Service in NFL Scouting in 2022.