Trio of Hogs look to improve draft stock
College football concluded with yet another Crimson Tide championship, and all eyes have turned to the NFL Draft.
For the past week, 112 draft-eligible college athletes have received instruction from NFL personnel in preparation for Saturday’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Hog fans may catch quarterback Austin Allen, running back David Williams and cornerback Henre Toliver in action at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, January 20 at 1 pm (PT) on FS1 for the NFLPA Bowl as they compete for the National Team.
The NFLPA Bowl prepares student-athletes for the draft by giving them hands-on instruction as well as life lessons from some the league’s best. The week-long experience culminates in an All-Star-style bowl game that pits the American team against the National team.
Allen, Arkansas’ starting quarterback for the past two seasons, finished his career with 5,045 yards and 36 touchdowns.
After throwing for 3,430 yards and 25 touchdowns his junior year, Allen entered his senior season on many publications’ watch lists. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced Allen to miss four games and significantly lowered his production.
Allen heads toward the NFL with the eighth-most passing yards and seventh-most passing touchdowns in Razorback history.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected his older brother and former Arkansas QB Brandon Allen with the 201st pick in the sixth round of the 2016 draft.
Williams headed to Fayetteville as a graduate transfer running back this past season. He rushed for 656 yards and eight touchdowns while also hauling in 10 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams had a season-high 86 yards against Auburn and scored three touchdowns in matchups with Texas A&M and Missouri.
Toliver arrived on campus in 2014 and competed in nine games as a freshman. In four seasons, he recorded 161 tackles and seven interceptions. Toliver had a solid senior campaign with three interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Florida A&M.
The NFLPA Bowl was founded in 2012 by the NFL Players Association. Former Rams coach Mike Martz and former Redskins’ standout cornerback Darrell Green will coach the two squads.