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Written By
Despite the disorganization and chaos of the inaugural Unity Beach Bowl, multiple players ended their careers on high notes and gave pro scouts something to remember.
Heath Williams Jr. was the Unity Beach Bowl's biggest headliner. Williams Jr. showed outstanding improvisation on multiple scrambles and a solid touch on deep and intermediate passes. Williams Jr. ended the game with four touchdown passes and ran for a two-point conversion on a well-executed read option. Williams Jr.'s play style seems suited for the Indoor Football League and its penchant for dual-threat quarterbacks. Williams Jr. earned MVP honors for his efforts.
Khalitri Zow was on the receiving end of three of Williams Jr.'s four touchdown passes. Zow showed a knack for high-pointing tough passes with his 6'2" frame and was elusive after the catch. Zow certainly improved his draft stock with his thrilling performance. Should a team need a tight end, Zow could be an intriguing developmental prospect transitioning from wide receiver.
While Khalitri Zow showed potential as a deep threat, Kentucky Wesleyan's Kam Sherrard was a fixture in the short passing game. Sherrard found ways to get open on several occasions and boosted the short passing game of the red team, even catching a touchdown pass. Sherrard has the route-running ability to make a difference at the next level out of the slot.
After a strong season recording six sacks for UNC-Pembroke, Jamae Blank continued the momentum with an MVP performance in the Unity Beach Bowl. Blank recorded a pair of sacks and his speed off the edge was a constant nuisance to the opposing team.
Montes ended a stellar year at Delaware State with another significant performance at the Unity Beach Bowl. After notching 6.5 sacks this year for the Hornets, Montes forced a fumble on a sack. Montes competed with the likes of Army and Hawaii this year, so he is battle-tested and ready to prove himself at the next level. At 6'1" 260, Montes is bigger than Blank, and can contribute in a 4-3 scheme at the next level.
Jamari Smith showed arguably the most versatility in the Unity Beach Bowl. Despite not naturally playing the position, Smith filled in admirably at long snapper, producing clean snaps on all but one of his punt and field goals. Smith was also heavily involved on defense, showing superb pursuit.
Jaron Wilson may have been the smallest defensive back to participate in the Unity Bowl, at 5'10" and 165 pounds, but he made up for it with unmatched tenacity. Wilson was aggressive in pass coverage, with quality hand skills and impressive playmaking ability. Wilson's forced fumble in the 2nd quarter thwarted a drive and he earned co-defensive MVP honors with Jamae Blank.
Not to be outdone by his teammate, Williams intercepted a pass in the end zone on the opposing team's final drive. Williams showed an outstanding ability to watch the quarterback's eyes on a prolonged scramble and high-pointed the ball to seal the victory for his team.
As the sole kicker for both teams, Edwards was a busy man at the Unity Bowl. Edwards made all but one extra point, with the miss coming due to a bad snap. The highlight of his day was a 39-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Due to the lack of a punter, Edwards tried his hand at punting once, his first time punting in a game since high school. Edwards uncorked a line drive that pinned the opposing team inside the 20. Edwards showed solid distance on his kickoffs, but did not record a touchback.