The 8-5 Appalachian State Mountaineers will play the 11-2 Miami (OH) RedHawks in the Mexico Cure Bowl. How many NFL Draft sleepers are in this contest, and what impact can they make?
Mexico Cure Bowl Prospect Preview
The RedHawks’ defense was quietly one of the best in college football this year, allowing just 16.2 points per game. That figure was good for seventh-best across the CFB landscape, representing Miami’s talent on that side of the ball.
Miami won their MAC Championship appearance against Toledo, while Appalachian State fell short in the Sun Belt Championship versus Troy. The Mountaineers will now look to bounce back in their bowl game, while the RedHawks aim to stack momentum.
Miami (OH) NFL Draft Prospects
Matt Salopek, LB
Matt Salopek is a straight-tackling machine and the heart and soul of the stalwart Miami defense. Over the past three seasons combined, Salopek has 370 total tackles and 25.5 for loss.
At 6’1″, 230 pounds, he has the density and tackling proficiency to field PFA interest.
Michael Dowell, S
Michael Dowell, a former Michigan State defender, has been playing his best football with the RedHawks. This year, he’s amassed 60 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, two picks, and five pass breakups.
At 6’1″, 215 pounds, Dowell is a versatile hybrid safety who can hold his own in coverage and support.
Ty Wise, LB
Though Salopek is the team’s leading tackler, Ty Wise is behind him with 110 tackles in 2023. Furthermore, Wise might be the higher-upside NFL Draft prospect.
A former Indiana commit, the 6’2″, 242-pound Wise is a high-motor, universal utility defender who can rush the passer with ankle flexion, make stops, and clog passing windows in coverage.
Appalachian State NFL Draft Prospects
Nick Ross, S
Appalachian State may have given up 49 points in a Sun Belt Championship loss to Troy, but the team still has plenty of talent in the secondary, led by veteran Nick Ross.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
Ross likely won’t be drafted, but his ability to pedal, match WRs in zone, and take on many roles should intrigue NFL teams.
Tyrek Funderburk, CB
Tyrek Funderburk needed to use his year at Appalachian State to prove his mettle as a playmaker, and he did just that, with four interceptions and eight pass breakups on the year.
At 6’0″, 185 pounds, Funderburk is a wiry cornerback with a penchant for impacting the catch point.
Kaedin Robinson, WR
Appalachian State’s passing attack was prolific in 2023, and Kaedin Robinson was the team’s top receiver.
The 6’2″, 205-pound JUCO product flashes solid burst and stem work as a route runner, and he has smooth ball-tracking ability downfield, as evidenced by his 10 touchdown catches.
