2019 College Bowl Preview: Hawaii Bowl – BYU vs Hawaii

The Hawaii Bowl amounts to a home game for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, losers to Boise State in the Mountain West Conference title game, as they take on BYU at 8 pm ET on Christmas Eve. On paper, BYU should win this game and win it handily – but the Cougars tend to fall short of expectations.

Just one player in this contest has a draftable grade and that’s BYU tight end Matt Bushman, a player I’ve mentioned several times this season. He’s prototypical of the type of tight end produced by the program – tall, smart and very sure-handed. Bushman possesses reliable hands, shows a great feel for what’s happening on the field and finds ways to produce.

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He’s not overly athletic, fast, or strong but projects well as a number two move tight end. Just a junior, I expect Bushman to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft soon after the Hawaii Bowl is complete.

BYU receiver Aleva Hifo was graded as a potential late-round pick by scouts entering the season but never elevated his play in 2019. Hifo plays uninspired football. Yet if the light goes on, he could make an NFL roster as a fifth receiver/return specialist.

Some grade Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald as draftable but I’m not part of that group. McDonald is a solid college passer who lacks the size and arm strength to play at the next level.

Tony Pauline is Pro Football Network’s NFL Draft Analyst and Insider. Follow him on Twitter @TonyPauline. Follow PFN on Twitter @PFN365.