Top College Football Players Skipping Out of 2022 Bowl Season
What could be more exciting than being a part of a bowl-winning team in college football? Preparing for a shot at the pros in the best shape and health possible, to begin with.
Before, representing your school in one of the many bowl games going down at the end of the season held an important meaning. In the last few years though, the number of players deciding to opt out of playing in said games to prepare for the NFL draft, enter the transfer portal, or tend to injury problems has grown substantially.
This season is no exception to this rule. With some important names taking their names out of consideration for their school’s respective bowl games, let’s break down a list of the top players skipping out.
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Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Calling all teams looking for a new, refreshing, and exciting option at running back! Pay attention and get ready, because former Longhorns RB star Bijan Robinson declared for the draft, thus skipping on the chance to play with Texas in the Alamo Bowl against Washington.
Robinson, who in the earlier stages of the season was considered a candidate to win the Heisman Trophy will enter the draft as the best running back prospect in the class. With his speed, skill set, and football IQ, it’s a given he’ll be a first-round pick.
While his first year with Texas wasn’t as impressive as his next two, Robinson still managed to put up 703 rushing yards on 86 carries, averaging just over eight yards per carry. In his second year with the Longhorns, his stats kept getting better and better, with 1,127 yards on 195 carries and 11 rushing TDs.
Lastly, it was in his third season when Robinson would break out and put up some stellar numbers. With 1,580 rushing yards in 258 carries, 18 TDs, and 91 broken tackles, he’s shown anyone interested in snagging him that he could become a pivotal piece on any team’s offense.
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
After this year’s draft, where some of the best young cornerbacks in the league like Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., and Tariq Woolen all made their way into the league, following that class up will be quite a challenge. But that’s not something that former Penn State star CB Joey Porter Jr. is worried about.
JBJ has pro football DNA running through his veins. Being the son of former Steelers star linebacker and Super Bowl champion Joey Porter, he understands the game in a way many others in his position would cherish.
His one-on-one coverage skills are unmatched by any other CB prospect entering this year’s draft, and with his length and build, any team would benefit greatly from adding him to its secondary. While Porter could use some work on polishing his zone coverage skills, his level of talent and easiness to understand a playbook shadow his deficiencies when it comes to zone defending.
There’s no question about it, JBJ is the best CB entering this draft, with initial mocks having him in the top 10. As he continues to prep, it shouldn’t come as a shock if we end up seeing him taken as fast as possible.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
It’s a decision that Richardson himself had been pondering since the Gators played Florida State. At 21 years old, the former Florida starting QB decided to pass on the chance to play with his team in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl, which the Gators lost to Oregon State.
Is it a smart decision for Richardson? Yes and no.
Yes, because we’re talking about a player that at least on paper reads like the perfect candidate to be a pro QB. At 6-foot-4, 232 pounds, and with a cannon for an arm, he would be a perfect fit for a team looking for a developmental project.
No, because he still needs more time on the field, but not practicing, actually playing football to sharpen his skills. With the level of talent he possesses, Richardson could either work out great or crash and burn in the pros. One more year in the SEC would have done him great if you ask me.
For now though, Richardson can only wait and hope that there’s a team willing to bet on him, and his immense potential, all while understanding that he is a green prospect at best.
