Chris Coyle, Chris Young and Evan Finkenberg will be looking to boost their draft stocks this Saturday when they take the field for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl all-star game.
The trio of Sun Devils are three of the 110 draft-eligible seniors who will be on display in the showcase at California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. With the Collegiate Bowl only its third year, Coyle, Young and Finkenberg are actually the first Sun Devils to make an appearance on the roster.
Coyle is one of three tight ends on the American team led by former NFL head coach Dennis Green. Following a year in which he was underutilized, Coyle's NFL Draft projection currently resides in the sixth round to undrafted free agent range.
Many thought Coyle could be Arizona State's next great tight end product after his breakout junior campaign in which he compiled 57 catch, 696 yards and five touchdowns and this represents an opportunity to regain that hype. He's already a plenty capable pass catcher so his stock could come down to physicality. The good news H-Back trend in the NFL is slowly gaining and Coyle already seems to have scouts buzzing about his potential there.
Young is another man with many position possibilities in the pros. Linebacker seems the most likely for Arizona State's leading tackler in 2013 and his elite athleticism could at least make him a special teams maven early on.
Young currently ranks as CBS Sports' 20th best inside linebacker so he's fighting an uphill battle to the NFL. But those who have watched Young he's flashed NFL-caliber playmaking abilities. It's just a matter of if his game can become more consistent because the appeal of versatility is certainly there.
Last but not least is Finkenberg, who was a late addition to the American team squad Friday:
Proud to announce @FootballASU OL Evan Finkenberg (@ESPN_Pac12blog All-Pac-12 Team) is joining #NFLPABowl's American Team. Welcome!
— NFLPA Bowl Game (@NFLPABowl) January 17, 2014
The Sun Devil left tackle has long been a quality performer for Arizona State. It's worth watching how Finkenberg is shuffled around the line Saturday since most believe he's best suited as a guard in the NFL. The All-Pac-12 First Team selection undoubtedly has the highest climb to relevancy of Arizona State's NFLPA Bowl representatives so he'll need all the exposure he can get even though he's a fresh call up.
Below is all you need to know if you're looking to take part in their path to the pros experience:
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl info
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
Time: 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m. ET
TV: Live on ESPN2 or WatchESPN