Bowl Game Prospect Outlook: Sun Bowl, Virginia Tech vs UCLA, 2014 NFL Draft Players to Watch

Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech Hokies (8-4) vs UCLA Bruins (9-3)
2:00 pm EST on CBS

The theme for this year’s Sun Bowl is defense. Virginia Tech has a very good defense. The Hokies held Alabama to 200 yards of offense when they matched up earlier this season. UCLA also has a good defense. They are led by linebacker Anthony Barr, who will look to take advantage of the Hokies poor offensive line. Look forward to a hard-hitting battle down in El Paso.

Prospects to watch:

Virginia Tech:

QB #3 – Logan Thomas – Senior
Logan Thomas has had scouts hyping about him since he stepped on the field for the Hokies. He has great size and a power arm, but he has been somewhat of a disappointment over his college career. He has the makeup to be a decent NFL prospect, but will need some good coaching at the next level if he wants to make the necessary improvements.

DE #99 – James Gayle – Senior
Gayle has great burst off the edge. When he gets the first step off the line, he is a very dominant pass rusher. He does lack the ideal size for NFL teams, but he has a thick, strong body. Gayle could be a steal in the upcoming draft for any team looking for a defensive end in the middle rounds.

DT #98 – Derrick Hopkins – Senior
Hopkins is a high-motored defensive line staple for the Hokies. He is versatile enough to play all over the defensive line, which will make him a draft-able prospect. He may not be drafted until the later rounds, but he will go into training camp with a chance to win over a spot. Hopkins mauls opposing offensive lineman off the snap and could spend lots of time in the backfield today.

UCLA:

OLB #11 – Anthony Barr – Senior
Anthony Barr has solidified himself as a top ten pick throughout this season. He is a playmaker all over the field and can be a terrorizer in the backfield. He has the brains and the athleticism that you want in a defensive leader. Barr will be all over the place and give the Hokies a rough day at the line of scrimmage.

QB #17 – Brett Hundley – RS Sophomore
Brett Hundley is a very intriguing football player. He is still young and raw, but he possesses all the tools to be a successful quarterback at the next level. Hundley has great size and athleticism, which makes him an explosive dual threat quarterback. It is still unknown whether or not he will be heading to the draft, but if he does, look for teams to fall in love with him.

WR #1 – Shaquelle Evans – Senior
Evans is the leading receiver on the Bruins offense. He is both fast and physical. He is not afraid of contact and does a good job of fighting for the ball. Evans is a play-making threat when he has the rock in his hands. He is a late-round prospect at the next level, but his ability to go get the ball will give teams a reason to select him. Look for his number to be called all day long as it is his last game for UCLA.