As we enter the NFL and college offseasons, many eyes will be on the all-star games–not the Pro Bowl, but the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl, two games featuring some of the most intriguing and hyped-up prospects for the upcoming draft. These games are where NFL stars like Rams receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Bills tackle Spencer Brown, and Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle made their names, and I have a list of players from this year’s class who are a) slightly under the radar right now even though they shouldn’t be and b) could see the same positive effects happen to them.
Shrine Bowl
Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State
Behold, the CrossFit Monarch. I chose that nickname for Ahmed Hassanein because a) he is Egyptian and b) he did CrossFit while living in Egypt. After a hard childhood (as he described it), Hassanein eventually moved back to America and picked up football with the help of his brother. He has since blossomed into one of the best defensive players in Boise State history and he looks to prove himself at the Shrine Bowl.
Over the last two years, Hassanein has seen plenty of success. Individually, Hassanein has posted 22 sacks and 33 tackles for loss since 2023. In that time, the Broncos have won two out of two Mountain West titles and earned a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, a feat no one expected during preseason. Yes, Ashton Jeanty played a big role in that, but Hassanein’s performances sure helped. The Egyptian carries with him an intriguing story and profile, and I believe that his competitiveness will shine through at the Shrine Bowl.
Antwane Wells, Ole Miss
Coming out of Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia (a school that has produced plenty of NFL talent), Antwane Wells (aka Juice) enrolled at James Madison University. He became one of the best receivers in the FCS and caught the eye of South Carolina, where he transferred to in 2022 and balled out, earning First-Team All-SEC honors. Unfortunately, an injury cut his 2023 short, and 2024 was marred by inconsistency. However, in his limited sample size of snaps, Wells has shown pretty nice athleticism and flashed his playmaking ability. He can absolutely show more of that to scouts.
Hollin Pierce, Rutgers
Another Fork Union alum, Trenton native Hollin Pierce enrolled to Rutgers in 2020 as a walk-on. Pierce has been a Rutgers starter since 2021, spending the last two years as the starting left tackle for Kyle Monangai’s offense. Pierce, a 2024 second-team All Big-Ten selection, stands a massive 6’8”, 344 pounds and is one of the most physical run blockers in the class. He does have athletic limitations, but I expect Pierce to dominate Shrine Bowl week (that is, of course, the practices and the game itself).
Nohl Williams, California
We move now to the nation’s leading interceptor. Oxnard’s Nohl Williams intercepted 7 passes in 2024, more than anyone else in FBS, and put himself on scouts’ radars. Williams thrived on his physicality, man coverage acumen, stellar instincts, and of course, his ball skills. Plus, he has experience as a return man (seen when he scored a kickoff return TD in Cal’s season opener). Williams has many ways through which he can impact Shrine Bowl week. The former UNLV commit should come out as one of the highest-ranked CB prospects in the draft.
Tyler Batty, BYU
BYU’s stellar season was led in large part by defensive end Tyler Batty. The Paxson, Utah native joined BYU when they were still FBS Independents, following them into the Big 12 in 2023 and has since been an All-Big 12 selection in both years since. There are concerns surrounding Batty’s age (he will be a 25 year old rookie) but he possesses great instincts and tackling technique (a trait surprisingly lacking in draft classes past and present). I believe Batty will carry the momentum from his team’s success and have a great Shrine Bowl week.
Nick Nash, San Jose State
Irvine native Nick Nash initially committed to San Jose State as a dual-threat QB, but in his first four years, struggled to earn regular game time. In 2022, he switched to wide receiver and began to flourish. He turned it up to 11 in 2024, leading the NCAA in receptions, yards, and touchdowns as a 6th-year senior. Nash thrived on his excellent athleticism, but what is truly eye-popping is the fact he has improved so rapidly over the past three years. Hopefully, Nash can be at his best at the Shrine Bowl because I believe Nash can be an impactful receiver right away in the NFL. He just needs to show it in front of the scouts.
Senior Bowl
Jonah Monheim, USC
Jonah Monheim of Moorpark, California was a highly touted guard recruit who went to USC and went on to play all positions on the line. In 2022, he was mostly a right tackle but also played at guard. In 2023 he moved to left tackle and played the whole year there. But in 2024, he moved to the center in a bit of a surprising move. But it worked pretty well. Monheim has played prolifically at multiple positions and if he dominates the Senior Bowl, he can convince teams to overlook his lack of size and invest a draft selection in him.
Jack Bech, TCU
Jack Bech initially joined LSU, but after a lack of game time over two seasons, the Louisiana native took his talents to TCU, where he developed into one of the best receivers in the Big 12. Bech can best be described as hyper-physical. He is very successful in contested catch situations and is a high-effort blocker. Coaches and scouts will love that passion and he can add some uniqueness to a WR room.
Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
Jackson Hawes may be the best run-blocking tight end in the class. The Salt Lake City native spent five years at Yale before moving to Georgia Tech and becoming key to the success of their run game. Hawes has very limited receiving numbers from his 6 years of college ball, but there is upside in that phase of the game. Most importantly, his blocking prowess is sky-high for a tight end and he should be looked at in the middle rounds, especially if he shows up and plays hard at the Senior Bowl.
Rayuan Lane III, Navy
Maryland native Rayuan Lane III has a chance to make some history: he may become the first defensive back to ever be drafted out of the Naval Academy. He fully deserves it, too; from safety, he has been a consistent ball producer over his four years of college football, recording 8 total interceptions in his career. He is also a highly competitive run defender. Sure, his tackling technique needs work, but Lane has a lot of NFL-level coverage skills. If he produces at the Senior Bowl he can squash many concerns about him and go high in the NFL Draft, making even more history for his college.
Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
Coming out of Bellevue, Washington, Jackson Slater was a three-star recruit who was touted by some FBS schools but chose to sign with Sacramento State in the FCS. It has paid off, as Slater has been a multi-year starter with the Hornets. Like Hawes, Slater is among one of the better run blockers in the class. He is unproven as a pass protector, but with the core strength he has, I think he can dominate in 1-on-1 reps at the Senior Bowl.
Marcus Yarns, Delaware
We round this list off with a UDel prospect. Running back Marcus Yarns joined the Blue Hens football program after starring in three sports at his Salisbury, Maryland High School and has since become an FCS star. At 5’11”, 195 pounds, Yarns is a dynamic running back who can make people miss (even in tight spaces). He also brings experience as a receiving back. Every year, the Senior Bowl has a small school skill position player step up and steal the show, and I think Yarns is that man.
