TFG: The Heart of Cactus Country Edition

Are there any prospects that the Titans will take a second look at in today’s bowl action?

Utah vs. West Virginia 1:30 PM ESPN

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl

Location: Cotton Bowl (site of the Red River Rivalry) Dallas, TX

- The Utes travel to Dallas to consume all of the Zaxbys and play some football. Utah posted an uncharacteristic 6-6 record in 2017 after struggling a bit to find a quarterback. West Virginia was once again fun to watch on offense with QB Will Grier leading the way before ultimately getting hurt with a broken finger late. The Mountaineers put up a respectable 7-5 record, which was good for fourth in the Big 12. WVU RB Justice Crawford has decided to skip the proceedings to concentrate on draft preparations (a growing trend among prospects). Can the Utes keep up with the fighting Holgos?

Utah prospects to watch

1. Lowell Lotuleilei 6'1 320 DL Senior

- If the last name sounds familiar, you're right. Lowell is the younger brother of current Carolina Panther DT Star. He's very fundamentally sound as an overall tackle. He's a modern day nose tackle that holds the line for his teammates to make plays. Isn't the fastest guy but has pass rush ability. Hands are pluses as well. Did not have a good 2017 so he needs to stand out in the bowl and during the offseason.

2. Darren Carrington II 6’1 200 WR RS Senior

- A former friend of the Ducks that made his way to Utah after being summarily dismissed from the Oregon program for a multitude of transgressions. He has a lot of talent but couldn’t seem to keep out of trouble. Has been a top weapon for the Utes. It will be very interesting to see if he gets a Combine invite or a chance to interview with teams during the offseason process. Has kept a low profile since arriving in Salt Lake City. A lot of potential but the off field transgressions may keep him off draft boards entirely.

West Virginia prospects to watch

1. David Sills V 6'4 203 WR Junior

- Sills' story is an interesting one. He was the 13 year old kid that Lane Kiffin offered a scholarship to way back when. Transitioned to receiver very well in college. It's been very natural to him. A solid deep threat and excellent route runner. Can go up and get it. Is he going to declare for the draft?

Kansas State vs. UCLA 9 PM ESPN

Cactus Bowl

Location: Chase Field (home stadium of MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks) Phoenix, AZ

- The Wildcats and Bruins travel to the deserts of Arizona for a quick dip in the pool that the DBacks have inside Chase Field. KSU had a 7-5 record in 2017 with a two game winning streak to finish things. Longtime HC Bill Snyder is arguably the best coach in all of college football. UCLA hired the best coach on the free agent market in Chip Kelly to replace the wildly inconsistent Jim Mora, Jr. It will be interesting to see how much effort the Bruins put into this game. QB Josh Rosen will not play in this game due to a concussion. Rosen was the big ticket draw for this bowl game and his absence will certainly put a damper on the entertainment level of the game.

Kansas State prospects to watch

1. Bryon Pringle 6'1 205 WR RS Junior

- Pringle is one of the more unknown receiver prospects nationally. He's the best weapon on offense for the Wildcats. An explosive deep ball specialist that can accelerate past anyone. Agility is a major plus. A key contributor as a return man. He just pops off the screen when I watch a KSU game. And no, he isn't related to anyone in the potato chip industry. Whenever he goes pro, he should sign an endorsement deal with the Pringles people.

2. DJ Reed 5'9 188 CB Junior

- Reed has been a productive member of the traditionally tough Wildcats defense. He has tallied 121 tackles and seven picks in just 22 games over two years. A quick twitch athlete that can stay with any receiver step for step. Frame questions will be heavily scrutinized by teams in the offseason but he's a fierce competitor regardless. He willingly asks to cover the top receiver on opposing offenses, no matter who it is.

UCLA prospects to watch

1. Kenny Young 6'1 240 LB Senior

- He got next in the recent line of standout Bruins linebackers. The defensive general and arguably the best defensive player. An above average athlete that is fundamentally sound in both pass and run. Young was pretty much the only Bruin defender that stood out to me in 2017.