2019 College Bowl Preview: Belk and Sun Bowls

The first half of New Year’s Eve’s college football bowl schedule is packed with 2020 NFL Draft prospects. The Belk Bowl, featuring Virginia Tech and Kentucky, starts at noon ET, and the Sun Bowl between Florida State and Arizona State kicks off at 2 pm ET. For an in-depth rundown on the draft prospects included in today’s slate of games, delve into our preview below!

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Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Kentucky

Virginia Tech Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies come into this game with a few players that will hear their names called on draft day. Both of their best prospects are players from the secondary. First, cornerback Caleb Farley has enjoyed an excellent 2019 campaign. He showcased elite ball skills, accounting for four interceptions, including a pick-six.

Secondly, Reggie Floyd is a physical safety that has an NFL future. Floyd’s best trait is his ability to play in the box. Floyd is a sound tackler that is always around the football, possessing an impressive blend of size and range.

Also, wide receiver Damon Hazelton could fall victim to a deep 2020 wide receiver class, but he offers some upside as a pass-catcher.

–Neal Driscoll, PFN NFL Draft analyst

Kentucky Wildcats

There are a few players of note to watch for today on the Kentucky Wildcats. Senior guard Logan Stenburg headlines a formidable trio that has the talent to play on Sundays. Stenburg’s lateral agility and nimble footwork enables him to get to the second level of the defense in a hurry, and projects as an eventual starter at the next level. The Academic All-American will also bring an astute football IQ to an NFL huddle.

Kash Daniel was a team captain and defensive signal-caller for the Wildcats. Daniel played through a broken hand last season, racking up an impressive 84 tackles. At 6-foot-1, 221 pounds, he is severely undersized for an NFL middle linebacker but should make a seamless transition to the weakside, where his instincts will really shine and he can focus more on reading and reacting.

–Andrew DiCecco, PFN NFL Draft analyst

Sun Bowl: Florida State vs. Arizona State

Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles have had a disappointing 2019 season, yet have a lot to offer in terms of 2020 NFL draft prospects. Marvin Wilson was playing as well as any interior defensive linemen in all of college football before suffering a season-ending injury. Wilson is big, strong, and disruptive and could be an absolute steal in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL draft. He will not be playing in this game but remains a name to watch. Another injured player who will not play in this game, but is a prospect worth monitoring is safety Hamsah Nasirildeen. Nasirildeen is an elite athlete who could flourish in today’s NFL.

In a deep wide receiver class, Tamorrion Terry is a name to remember. He possesses impressive size and excels in winning the contested catch. Cornerbacks Stanford Samuels and Levonta Taylor are potential late-round picks. Janarius Robinson is a player that offers pass-rush ability and is rumored to enter the 2020 draft.

-Neal Driscoll, PFN NFL Draft analyst

Arizona State Sun Devils 

Unfortunately, Arizona State’s best NFL Draft prospects are both sitting out of this game. Running back Eno Benjamin and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk announced they are both off to the NFL and will not play against the Seminoles. Aiyuk is a playmaker at WR who is at his best after the catch. He’s going to test well at the NFL Combine and boost his stock come March and April. Eno Benjamin has questions I would like to answer about his athletic ability at the Combine, but I can’t deny his physicality and ability on third down. Benjamin is going to have to test well to boost his stock in this talented RB class.

In terms of guys who will be playing, keep an eye on CB Chase Lucas. Lucas has quietly put out phenomenal tape in 2019 and has only allowed one touchdown all season. A big bowl performance against the Seminoles and he could change his mind about the NFL.

-AJ Schulte, PFN NFL Draft analyst