Anthony Castonzo and Mark Herzlich of Boston College, as well as Colin Kaepernick of Nevada, are among the many bright stars playing in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl tonight at 9 p.m. EST (ESPN) that are potential 2011 NFL Draft prospects.
Castonzo and Herzlich lead a group of seven Eagles that are listed as 2011 NFL Draft prospects, according to ESPN.com. Defensive end Alex Albright, offensive guard Thomas Claiborne, safety Wes Davis, corner back Deleon Gause and offensive tackle Rich Lapham were also on ESPN's list.
Castonzo, who is an offensive tackle, is currently projected to be taken No. 27 overall by the Chicago Bears in SB Nation's latest 2011 Mock Draft.
27. Chicago Bears (11-5): Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College (SR). We love Jay Cutler, but we're pretty sure Jay Cutler doesn't love getting drilled into the turf a dozen times per game. Chicago needs an immediate O-Line contributor badly; Castonzo topped our list in that department.
Herzlich, a linebacker, is not projected by SB Nation to be selected in the first round. Herzlich was once the top linebacker in his draft class, but a life-threatening battle with Ewing's Sarcoma forced him to miss all of last season.
In three seasons at Boston College, Herzlich has amassed 309 tackles, 11 interceptions and six forced fumbles. This season, Herzlich has amassed 60 tackles and four interceptions, as well as one forced fumble.
Kaepernick is also not projected to be taken in the first round. Regardless, Kaepernick has been one of college football's most complete, all-around quarterbacks during his four seasons at Nevada. He is currently the only player in college football history to pass for over 9,000 yards and rush for 4,000 yards in his career.
This season, Kaepernick has completed 213-of-326 yards for 2,830 yards and 20 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 1,184 yards and 19 touchdowns. For his career, Kaepernick has thrown for 9,906 yards and 81 touchdowns and rushed for 4,090 yards and 59 scores.
As a freshman in 2007, he threw for 2,175 yards and 19 touchdowns. In 2008, Kaepernick threw for a career-best 2,849 yards and 22 touchdowns. In his junior year, Kaepernick tossed 20 touchdowns while throwing for 2,052 yards.
Nevada has eleven total players listed by ESPN.com as potential 2011 NFL Draft prospects. Alongside Kaepernick are running back Vailala Taua, offensive tackle Jose Acuna, offensive guard John Bender, kicker Richard Drake, offensive tackle Mike Gallett, tight end Virgil Green, defensive end Jared Jackson, punter Brad Langley, outside linebacker Dontay Moch and wide receiver Christopher Wellington.