2022 Hula Bowl Preview
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The 2021 college football season is over, but post-season bowls will be occurring over the next few weeks. Mountain West alums are taking part in the Tropical Bowl, the Hula Bowl, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl the East-West Shrine Game, and the Senior Bowl. This post will focus on the Hula Bowl.
These events are used primarily as camps with a game at the end. Invited players get officially measured and weighed upon checking in. Then, there are a few days of practice with NFL coaches. The practice time for players is really at the heart of these events.
This is due to the time players and coaches can spend together honing their craft collaboratively. It gives the players a chance to be looked at by coaches who know the NFL game. What better way to understand where and how to improve than to hear it from the source. Receiving this feedback can give the players an edge as they head into their training for the NFL Combine or their respective Pro-day.
Finally, this gives players a chance to stand out. If a player was overshadowed on his team by other talented individuals, wasn’t featured in his offense, or in the case of those in this article, playing in a Group of 5 conference, they have the opportunity to open the eyes of the coaches with their play and jump onto the radar before draft time. While the combine and pro-days are also good opportunities for this, the more chances of coaches seeing one play and compete, the better position they put themselves in.
This year, there are five players from the Mountain West is participating in the Hula Bowl. Below we will provide a brief description of each player and illustrate what kind of showing they need to improve their draft stock.
Hula Bowl Schedule:
January 15, 2021 (Saturday)
12:00 pm (Eastern time) CBS Sports Network
The Players:
DB Tre Bugg III (Air Force)
Provided by NittanyFalcon
Tre Bugg has been a three-year contributor at cornerback for the Falcons. He has accumulated 129 tackles, with 93 of those tackles solo. He’s had 5 interceptions and 19 PBUs in his career. He excels at open-field tackling, as demonstrated by the number of solo tackles. In coverage, he has been inconsistent. The year off from football last year when he accepted a turnback, resulted in a shaky start to the season. Later in the year, he seemed to find his footing and returned to form. Right now, the website draftscout.com has him as the 81st ranked cornerback in the draft. In the Hula Bowl, he will need to show scouts his ability to stick closely with big, fast receivers with NFL-level talent. During his break from the Academy, he focused on his strength and added weight, but is slightly undersized. Demonstrating the kind of tackling he has done this season with the Falcons in the Hula Bowl would allay some of the worries about his size.
DE Arron Mosby (Fresno State)
Provided by Matt R
Mosby is easily the most versatile defensive player that Fresno State has seen in a long time. He began his career at safety, including a memorable pick-six against San Jose State in 2018. In 2019, he moved down to linebacker, becoming a force in the middle of the defense. For his final year in 2021, he made one more move, this time to defensive end. He showed how well the transition would go by forcing a strip sack in the first game against UCONN that he would return for the team’s first touchdown of the year. He compiled 40 tackles on the season to go with 6 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. Mosby projects a lot like Mykal Walker, where he can rush off the edge, or drop back into coverage as a strong LB.
OL Kohl Levao (Hawaii)
Provided by Jeremy
It’s not every day one sees a 6’6”, 350 lbs behemoth playing the center position on the offensive line, but that’s precisely where Levao featured for Hawaii. Levao started all of the 2018 season, but missed most of the 2019 season with injury, and all of the 2020 season. The injury tag will be brought up among scouts, but thankfully Levao dominated for the Warriors in 2021. Levao is an NFL talent, no question about it, it’s just a matter of remaining healthy. I think scouts know he’s a stud and will show that in this game, hopefully physical evals are kind to him this spring.
DB Tayler Hawkins (SDSU)
Provided by Tyler
Another defensive machine for the Aztecs in 2021 was defensive back Tayler Hawkins. Hawkins had 2 interceptions on the year, which added to the team’s total interceptions of 17 which led the Mountain West. SDSU’s defense was outstanding all year, especially against the run. Hawkins also finished with 47 solo tackles, 5 of them coming in the Tropical SMoothie cafe Frisco bowl game. Hawkins’ biggest moment in 2021 was intercepting Utah for a 34-yard return in the big win that contributed to a 7 game win streak to start the season. With such a strong defensive year for the Aztecs, there’s no doubt Hawkins and fellow teammate Cam Thomas got enough votes for the 2022 Senior Bowl. Hawkins will look to fly around the field in the bowl game getting as many open field tackles as possible to show off for the scouts. An interception would help as well, but not allowing big plays and neutralizing his matchup will be key in raising his draft stock.
RB Charles Williams (UNLV)
Provided by Alex
Charles Williams made the right choice to come back to UNLV to use his extra year of eligibility. Williams became the school’s all-time leading rusher after having a bounce-back year, following a difficult, shortened 2020 season. Throughout his time, Williams has shown he has dynamic speed to hit the gaps and go to the second level. He has also shown he has the strength to battle through contact to gain extra yards. If there is one thing that Williams needs to show during the Senior Bowl is consistency. There were times in 2021 where he would have drastic ups and downs between games, and a lot of that had to do with UNLV’s performance. But, Williams will need to be able to show he can consistently perform at the next level. Williams might not be drafted in the first few rounds, but he could find himself on an NFL practice squad and work his way onto the 53-man roster like his former teammate Javin White.
BONUS:
We found out after the fact that Kevin Atkins participated in the Grid Iron Showcase. We wanted to give him proper recognition.
DT Kevin Atkins (Fresno State)
Provided by Matt R
If there’s one player that’s been as integral to Fresno State’s success as Ronnie Rivers over the last 5 years, it’s Kevin Atkins. Both were a part of the same recruiting class, and have been contributing ever since their freshman year. The aspiring educator has been a dominating force in the middle of the line, and his personality will certainly be missed at Bulldog Stadium. While his 41 tackles don’t jump off the page, he had 13TFLs as a senior, along with 7 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. He will now participate in the College Gridiron Showcase All-Star game. Atkins has a good chance as a late round selection or an UDFA pick-up in the NFL. If not, the world always needs more teachers.
Note: The weaknesses or questions describing each player below aren’t necessarily the views of the contributors or site, but rather what could be questions or concerns NFL scouts or talent-elevators or the media have about them, which are still worth discussing as they can have ramifications.
Hula Bowl proceeds offered to slain UCF player’s family
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Hula Bowl proceeds offered to slain UCF player’s family
Investigators say Anderson’s own father — Otis Anderson, Sr. — shot him during a heated argument this past November at his home in Jacksonville.
WR Mike Harley impressing at Hula Bowl practices
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Former Miami wide receiver Mike Harley has been participating with Team Aina for the Hula Bowl on Saturday (12:00 p.m., CBSSN).
Harley, Miami’s all-time receptions leader over his five years, has impressed in practices leading up to the game in Orlando, Fla. where he will wear No. 83.
“If anyone was paying attention at all at Team Aina, it is obvious that Mike Harley is one of the top talents at the Hula Bowl,” NFL Draft Diamonds scout Jimmy Williams said.
Another scout for NFL Draft Diamonds, Austin Cundiff, has also been impressed with Harley.
“Harley displayed elite quickness,” Cundiff said. “Dominated every DB he faced and showcased great ability to adjust to the ball in the air.”
Harley checked in officially at the Hula Bowl at 5-foot-10.3, 172.9 pounds with measurements of 8.38” hand, 30.68” arm and 73.28” wingspan.
Harley caught 57 passes for 543 yards and five touchdowns in his final season with the Hurricanes.
He wrapped up his career with 182 catches for 2,158 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also ranks seventh in yards and is tied for ninth in touchdowns for a receiver.
The quarterbacks on Team Aina include Florida State’s McKenzie Milton, Oregon’s Anthony Brown and Illinois’s Brandon Peters.
Miami teammates Jarrid Williams and Amari Carter are also participating in the Hula Bowl for Team Aina.
All three will be looking for strong showings to be included in other senior all-star games, such as the Senior Bowl on Feb. 5 and receive invites to the NFL Combine March 1-7.
“Mike Harley deserve an invite to the combine,” Williams said. “He wins most of his one-on-ones, usually burning the competition. Our overall consensus is that he is a legitimate draft pick and I wouldn’t be shocked if (Senior Bowl representative) Jim Nagy or (East-West Shrine Bowl representative) Eric Galko called him right after the game.”
The 2022 NFL Draft is April 28-30.
Christopher Stock has covered the Miami Hurricanes since 2003 and can be reached by e-mail at stock@insidetheu.com and on Twitter @InsideTheU.
McKenize Milton Returns to UCF
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McKenzie Milton was making his way to be interviewed just outside of Burger U on the UCF main campus.
The company he co-founded, Dreamfield, was hosting a soft launch of its new UCF Knights-focused Name, Image, and Likeness program, “Mission Control,” with an event dubbed “Mission Comeback,” which Milton hosted. The event allowed UCF fans to meet the four UCF football players who were returning to the team next season as super seniors: RB Isaiah Bowser, OL Samuel Jackson, DL Anthony Montalvo, and LS Alex Ward.
Once his hosting duties were fulfilled, for the time being, he was able to break away from the hub of activity inside the restaurant to do an interview.
That is until a young fan approached him from behind, around mid-elementary school-aged.
She was holding a book, the cover depicting Milton as he celebrated with teammates after the Knights’ win over Auburn in the 2018 Peach Bowl to cap off their undefeated season. The book’s title “Perfect Knights,” is aligned at the bottom right.
Milton turned to excuse himself so he could fulfill the child’s request and promptly autographed the book.
“Seeing how the fans interact with KZ, it’s awesome, and that’s just the type of guy he is,” Jackson said. “It’s like when he’s back home, it just feels better out here.”
Milton’s return to the UCF campus comes courtesy of his participation in the Hula Bowl, a college football all-star game normally held in Milton’s native state, Hawaii. However, due to the game’s traditional venue, Aloha Stadium, ceasing the scheduling of new events in Dec. 2020, the 2022 edition of the game needed a new location. That location ended up being the Bounce House, per an agreement signed back in August.
The game, which is scheduled for a Noon kickoff Saturday on CBS Sports Network, will be Milton’s first time playing in the stadium since Nov. 17, 2018.
“It’s just like coming home,” Milton said.
In the three years since, as Milton progressed on his already well-documented journey to recovery, the sport he loved underwent significant changes around him. New NIL rules went into effect and new transfer rules were ratified, drastically changing the landscape of college athletics for the ones that played on the field.
Yet, as Montalvo tells it, he never lost his desire to help his athlete brethren, whether it’s on the practice field or navigating the new opportunities of the college athletics world.
“He’s looking out for all of us and trying to get us the best deal and given us a platform to, you know, step on and use it for the next level or wherever we want to go with it,” Montalvo said.
That help even transcends the bounds of life and death. Milton said he wanted to do something to continue to honor his late teammate, Otis Anderson. So, Milton announced on Jan. 4 that he will have a Hula Bowl After Party Meet & Greet Saturday evening, where all proceeds from the event, such as autographs signed by the quarterback, will be donated to Anderson’s family.
“He speaks about ‘Ohana’ and the guy genuinely is the most dedicated person to that term I’ve ever seen,” Dreamfield co-founder and CEO Luis Pardillo said.
While Milton said he will do as much as he can off the field, he is still “in the mindset of a player.” As such, his return is also about putting on a show for the NFL scouts that will attend the Hula Bowl.
“I know what I can still do with a football in my hand when I’m put in the right situations,” Milton said. “That’s why I’m gonna continue to do it. I feel like I owe it to myself.”
Milton will be competing for Team Aina, the Hawaiian word for “land,” alongside his former UCF teammate, OL Cole Schneider.
“I’m sure it’ll be a little emotional, but I’m just gonna let it rip and have fun just like I always do,” Milton said.
Milton takes the Bounce House Field one last time this Saturday at noon during the Hula Bowl. Tickets are available and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
Sutherland, Shelby Earn LSWA All-Louisiana Football Honors
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ULM fifth-year senior kickerhas been named to the 2021 Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana Football Second Team, as selected by a panel of statewide media members and the state’s football sports information directors.In addition, Warhawk super senior defensive linemanbecame one of four players to receive LSWA All-Louisiana honorable mention.The 5-10, 176-pound Sutherland ranked third in the Sun Belt and 42nd in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.33 field goals made per game. He led ULM in scoring with 75 points – tied for the ninth-highest single-season total in program history. Sutherland also finished eighth in the league in scoring, averaging 6.25 points per game. He hit 16-of-21 field-goal attempts (.762) and 27-of-28 extra-point tries. His 16 field goals made tied the third-best single-season total in ULM history. Sutherland made 8-of-12 field-goal attempts from 40 or more yards, including 2-of-4 from 50 plus. He connected on the two longest field goals (53 and 52 yards) in the Sun Belt during the 2021 season.A native of Keller, Texas, Sutherland made a 32-yard field-goal attempt and all three of his extra-point attempts against Arkansas State. He made two of his three field-goal attempts, hitting from 45 and 52 yards while missing from 51, at Texas State. Sutherland converted both of his field-goal attempts against South Alabama, hitting from 39 yards in the second quarter for the 17-10 lead and again from 40 yards with 6:28 to play in the fourth quarter to give ULM a 10-point lead at 41-31.Sutherland was named Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time this season after delivering a career-long 53-yard field goal with 1:44 to play in the game that gave ULM a 31-28 victory over Liberty. He accounted for seven points against the Flames, hitting all four of his extra-point attempts to go along with his game-winning kick. Sutherland also selected Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week.He picked up all six of ULM’s points at No. 16 Coastal Carolina, converting field goals from 40 and 30 yards, and made both of his field-goal attempts (from 26 and 32 yards) against Troy and all three of his extra-point tries.Sutherland was selected Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week after accounting for all 12 points in ULM’s 12-7 victory over Jackson State in the home opener as the Warhawks won for the first time since Nov. 23, 2019, 45-42 over Coastal Carolina, ending a 12-game losing streak. His 12 points matched his career high (12 at UCLA in 2019). He converted 4-of-6 field-goal attempts, hitting from 29, 45, 42 and 49 yards against the Tigers. His 42-yarder early in the fourth quarter gave ULM a 9-7 lead and his 49-yarder with 2:24 left in the game provided the final margin. With four made field goals, Sutherland tied the ULM single-game record, joining Cole Wilson (vs. UL Lafayette, Dec. 3, 2006), Roger Miller (vs. McNeese State, 1993), Teddy Garcia (vs. Georgia Southern, 1987) and Bubba Toups (vs. Mississippi College, 1980). His six field-goal attempts tied the fourth-highest single-game total in Sun Belt history. He also named one of the Lou Groza Award Stars of the Week for his efforts against Jackson State.Sutherland made his only field-goal attempt, from 29 yards, and an extra-point try in the season opener at Kentucky.The 6-4, 260-pound Shelby finished second among ULM defensive linemen and ranked eighth on the team with a career-best 36 tackles (13 solos, 23 assists). He led ULM defensive linemen and ranked seventh on the team overall with a career-best 41 tackles (18 solos, 23 assists). Shelby led the team in sacks (5.5 for 41 yards) and finished third in tackles for loss (7 for 43 yards); those totals also represented career highs. He tied for 10th in the Sun Belt at 0.46 sacks per game. Shelby also credited with three quarterback hurries, a pass break-up, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He helped anchor a Warhawk defensive unit that held five of its opponents below 100 rushing yards in 2021 – the third-highest single-season total since 2000.Shelby, who had his name added to the Ted Hendricks Midseason Award Watch List, picked up three tackles (1 solo, 2 assists) with a half sack for a 5-yard loss against South Alabama. He recorded six tackles (3 solos, 3 assists) with a half tackle for loss against Liberty. Shelby posted a season-high seven tackles (2 solos, 5 assists) against Georgia State. He made five stops (1 solo, 4 assists) at No. 16 Coastal Carolina, including half a tackle for loss, and picked up four tackles against Troy, with 1.5 resulting in losses including a sack, and a QB hurry. Shelby matched his career high with two sacks for 18 yards in the home opener against Jackson State, including a forced fumble, to go along with a QB hurry.A native of Houston, Texas, Shelby was named to Scouting Insiders National Defensive Team of the Week after recording five tackles (4 solos, 1 assist), including a career-best two sacks for 11 yards, and recovered a fumble at Kentucky in the 2021 season opener. He tallied a team-high 10 production points against the Wildcats.Shelby, who started 31 of 56 career games, participated in the 2022 Hula Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 15 in Orlando, Florida. His career totals included 149 total tackles, with 24 resulting in losses (102 yards) including 12 sacks (68 yards).