The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl 2018 resulted in a 23-0 victory for the National team’s seventh straight win since the NFL Draft showcase that began in 2012.
National team head coach Mike Martz said both defensive groups played with a lot of intensity. It was one of the more passionate groups he has seen in the bowl. This was visible through a scoreless first half.
“I knew from the first time we put on pads, this defense was going to be special,” said Martz.
The National head coach is 4-0 and he said 10-11 players could end up making NFL rosters and getting playing time in the upcoming season. The former Rams coach shouted out quarter Logan Woodside as a player who could play in the NFL. He also recognized guard Brandon Hodges who played well despite the tragedy in his family.
Martz also pointed out that the game is about teaching players how to become a professional including practice tempo. He said he could return next season if he is able to keep his staff of mostly former players together. Martz said he loves coaches with those guys which is an added bonus.
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl presser https://t.co/WIJ50T0zUX
— Pete Camarillo aka Big Bro to 4 (@Petecertified) January 21, 2018
Nonetheless, the final score is not always important in a game that is really about getting more film and networking opportunities for players predicted to be second, third and undrafted players in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Losing head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green said, besides the game results, his players did a lot of great things throughout the week.
“I know NFL teams got a lot of good canisters of good performances,” Green said.
He wanted to win the game but he was happy with the week’s experience. Green stressed that he won this week by being able to teach his players how to become better men and leaders.
Collegiate Bowl MVP

Penn St. safety Troy Apke earned MVP honors of the 2018 NFLPA Game. Apke made one of the biggest highlight plays of the game by intercepting Michigan quarterback John O’Korn on a broken bootleg play in the second half. O’Korn tried to throw deep, on the run and across his body to put his team in striking distance. Apke ran across the field, dived and made the interception. He got up immediately and took it 56 yards in what would help seal the game for the Nationals
After the game, Apke said he is a rangy safety who is comfortable playing the middle of the field and in the box. However, he said he needs to work on his technique in one-on-one coverage. Apke said he built lifetime relationships with a defensive group that had natural chemistry.
Apke finished his 2017 with 1 interception and 57 tackles for Penn St. Hopefully, he can use this game to propel himself up draft boards like 2017 MVP Lorenzo Jerome did. The graduate is headed back to Florida to keep preparing for the NFL Draft.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
NFLPA Game Quick Hits
This year, about 5,000 fans, scouts and family members attended the game’s first edition in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl. It was estimated that each NFL team had a scout present and there were about 11 general managers attending the game in sunny Southern California. Previously, the game was held in Carson at the StubHub Center.
#NowPlaying "NFLPA Collegiate Bowl 2018" from Pete D. Camarillo on @anchor: https://t.co/dynvPrtYNE
— Pete Camarillo aka Big Bro to 4 (@Petecertified) January 21, 2018
Here are some quick notes about NFL Draft 2018 prospects who were good and bad at the NFLPA Bowl.
- Tulane end Ade Aruna was one of the most draftable participates but only registered two tackles. He hobbled off the field in the first half so that could have impacted it. He was solid but not dominate.
- Virginia Tech linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka stood out in the first quarter. He broke up a pass and then made a nice tackle in space, deep in his own territory which ended the American Team’s drive. He has the career production to get another look.
- Aaron Tiller is a bit undersized at defensive tackle but he performed a nice spin move that got him a sack. He is a deep sleeper prospect from Southern.
- Defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson got himself a couple of tackles for a loss. He also got a forced fumble. Good tests could move him up from the later round projections.
- Defensive tackle Frank Herron had the play of the game. He had two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Herron had the scoop and score that not only put the dagger in the game for the National team but it also ignited his entire sideline. He is a three and five-technique defensive tackle from LSU so he will definitely get more looks in the Draft process.
- Grambling running back Martez Carter was the talk of the game and the week. He finished with 69 yards from scrimmage. The undersized, dual-threat back proved he can finish touches as he was the only American runner to gain anything significant.
- TCU quarterback Kenny Hill was the hype of the game but did not see action until the second half. He only threw for twelve yards and took a sack for the losing team. This might be it for his draft stock.
- Texas A&M-Commerce quarterback Luis Perez did throw some nice balls. He finished the day 8-for-10 with a 29-yard completion for the losing team.
- Temple receiver Adonis Jennings had one of the best catches of the day for either team. He caught one pass where he adjusted his route and made a sideline grab for the American squad. Jennings caught another pass between two defenders. The big receiver could become a great value pick with some development.
- Florida Atlanta and National Team receiver Kalib Woods had consecutive grabs in the second half. He had solid production despite missing half his 2017 season so he is another sleeper.
- Howard running back Anthony Philyaw finished the game 48 yards from scrimmage. He had one nice outside run for a touchdown when the game was out of reach. He also made consecutive catches for the National squad in the second half. Philyaw has legit hands and route running ability as he caught one pass across the middle and the other on the outside.
Who were some NFL Draft prospects that jumped out at you during the 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl held on Jan. 20?
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Ian and John discuss the upcoming Tom Brady roast and which athlete they […]
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the […]
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 182 "Mr. Toni Storm"by Boot 2 The Face on May 2, 2022 at 12:30 am
Marty and Rucker here again talking baseball, new action figures and the […]
-
Ep.1: NIL And Voidby Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 8:00 am
-
Episode 49 Criss Partee and Sava from Courtside (YouTube) run down the latest NBA newsby Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 4:50 am
-
Ep.38: Titles, Tantrums, and Assorted Clowneryby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 7:59 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Ep 9: Wildly Early Predictions Of The 2022 Patriots Scheduleby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:24 am
-
Ep 114: Paul Londonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 131: Packers Fan Series with LosDeeMixby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 8:49 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
Which Athlete Do You Want To See Roasted?by Full Press Coverage on May 24, 2022 at 2:40 pm
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm