Written By
Written By
Several players improved their draft stock at Sunday’s Dream Bowl. From Division I stars from well-known schools to small-school standouts, many made a name for themselves at AT&T Stadium.
The Bloomsburg quarterback showed solid poise in a drive in the final three minutes of the first half that started at his team’s two yard-line. Riley drove his team to inside the opponent’s 35-yard-line for a field goal attempt.
Kelly ran for an 18-yard touchdown and found plenty of space running the ball throughout the game. He also showed his growth as a passer in Sunday’s game. Kelly can play other positions at the next level, but the Dream Bowl showed he is worthy of a shot at signal-caller at the next level.
Both backs showed outstanding burst on the edge, getting free for a few big runs.
Estronza had a huge over 60-yard return in the fourth quarter and made multiple catches out of the slot. The kickoff return was a highlight but the Dream Bowl used the college kickoff rather than the UFL/NFL kickoff.
Hardly no other player benefited from a huge performance more than Alston. Alston caught just eight passes over the last two years at James Madison. He caught as many passes in the Dream Bowl, mostly factoring in the short game. Alston was a proven deep threat at Army, averaging over 20 yards per catch on 49 passes. Fortunately, the Dream Bowl showed he has superb ball carrying ability after the catch. Alston’s jump-ball capabilities and his ability to stretch the field deem him worthy of a shot at the next level.
Not to be outdone by his Bloomsburg teammate, Griffen-Batchelor took a deep ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. His catch was among many huge plays in the passing game in Arlington Sunday.
Shenault took a short screen for a 40-yard touchdown in the Dream Bowl. That and multiple catches down the field earned him co-MVP honors. Shenault was a key piece on a Northeastern State team that went 9-3 this year after winning 18 games in the prior 12 years.
Ferguson was unblockable, with 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Ferguson used his speed to his advantage on his sacks. His performance builds on a solid senior campaign where he had seven tackles for loss. Ferguson could be a sleeper in this year’s draft process.
Oliver made an outstanding hustle play in the fourth quarter, chasing down Tennessee State running back Devon Starling from behind and forcing a fumble. Sam Houston’s Antivirus Fish recovered and returned the fumble for a touchdown.
Kamara ran back an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Kamara is a proven pass defender with five interceptions across his career at Maine and Stony Brook.
Hardly any player made more of an impact on defense than Anderson. Anderson had multiple pass breakups, including a pair when defending 6’5 Jake McConnachie from UMass. Anderson also (illegally) blocked an extra point late in the game. At 6’1”, Anderson matches up well with taller receivers and showed it throughout the Dream Bowl.