The 10th anniversary NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game welcomed participants from a diverse set of college football programs, ranging from Miami to Oklahoma to Ouachita Baptist and beyond.
As has been the case in prior years, a significant number of Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) products earned tickets to the senior all-star game. By my count, 24 FCS players landed on the final National Team (10) and America Team (14) rosters.
Two of the top-three Stats Perform Walter Payton Award Finalists from the 2020-21 Spring Season competed for the victorious National Team.
Southeastern Louisiana quarterback Cole Kelley, who won the Payton Award last spring, earned Game MVP honors after engineering a late go-ahead drive. He completed 12 of 17 passes for 150 yards for a touchdown and added a successful two-point conversion pass that gave the National Team a one-point edge with 4:07 left in the fourth quarter.
Sacred Heart running back Julius Chestnut, who finished third in the Payton voting following a phenomenal five-game spring campaign, joined the 6-foot-7 Kelley in the National Team backfield and helped his side to a 25-24 triumph at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. (GAME HIGHLIGHTS)
Sam Houston State receiver Jequez Ezzard, who also starred at MEAC member Howard, opened the game’s scoring when he went over the middle for a 13-yard touchdown pass from American Team QB Chase Garbers (Cal).
OPENING TD – GARBERS TO EZZARD
Finishing with four receptions, Ezzard, a hero during Sam Houston’s 2021 springtime national championship run, also returned three punts for 28 total yards during his NFLPA Bowl appearance.
Stats Perform FCS All-American receiver Dai’Jean Dixon (Nicholls State) stole the spotlight on game day. He led all pass catchers with six grabs and 131 yards. Dixon twice moved the American Team into the opponents’ territory on explosive plays and he finished off a second-quarter drive with a 11-yard touchdown reception Alabama A&M’s Aqeel Glass.
11-YARD TD – GLASS TO DIXON
Glass, a Stats Perform FCS All-American who possesses serious NFL caliber arm strength, averaged 12.8 yards per pass attempt at the NFLPA Bowl. Completing more than 80 percent, the 233-pound QB threw for 141 yards and a touchdown.
It’s a significant leap from the FCS to the NFL at the quarterback position, but others have done in before and Glass shows the potential to succeed in due time. Standing taller than 6’3,” Glass has the physical capabilities to warrant a hard look at the next level.
47-YARD GAINER – GLASS TO DIXON
On the defensive side of the ball, Missouri State lineman Eric Johnson impressed throughout the week and earned a ticket to Mobile, AL as a result. After registering one sack and one pass break-up for the American Team on game day, Johnson received an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Continuing with the FCS theme, Johnson’s second-quarter sack came against South Dakota State QB Chris Oladokun on a third-down play.
FCS ON FCS CRIME
Montana State, the 2021 NCAA DI FCS national runner-up, was represented by 6-foot-2 WR Lance McCutcheon in Pasadena. The Bozeman (MT) product finished with three receptions for 49 yards, including a pretty 31-yard sideline grab that set up the National Team’s first touchdown late in the third quarter.
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