The 2023 Hula Bowl concluded recently and kicked off the All-Star game season. Players from all over the country and all levels of college merged in Hawaii to showcase their talents and hopefully catch the eyes of scouts. There are some players who really stood out on the defensive side of the ball that you should be taking notes on. Let's take a look at the five defensive players that stood out the most.
Jordan Ferguson, DE, Middle Tennessee State
Let's get started with the game's defensive MVP, Jordan Ferguson, from Middle Tennessee State University. Ferguson was in attack mode for Team Aina from the start and never let up. He made a number of big plays that ranged from blowing up plays in the backfield to sacking the QB, to forcing turnovers. Ferguson played a complete game and one that will now make his draft stock begin to rise. He finished the game with five total tackles, three being solos, 2½ TFLs, one sack, and one forced fumble. Ferguson will likely be a day-two draft selection.
Ryan Smenda, LB, Wake Forest
The next standout also played for Team Aina, Ryan Smenda from Wake Forest, and played one heck of a game. He was the game's leading tackler with seven (four solos), which is right on his career average per game for the Demon Deacons. Smenda had one of the game's biggest plays, which was a fumble recovery that he returned for 39 yards and set up a scoring opportunity for Team Aina. His play in this game will get him some closer looks from scouts and what they’ll see on film is a solid disciplined LB, who’s not flashy but can make some big plays.
Avery Young, S, Rutgers
We continue the Hula Bowl standout list with Avery Young from Rutgers. Young was not a player on my radar this year, but after his performance in this game, I’ll definitely go back and take a closer look at him. Young was all over the field making big plays and big hits. He displayed his full repertoire from big hits in run defense to breaking up passes when in coverage. Young finished the game with six tackles, five being solos, one TFL, and two PBUs. A great all-around performance! He definitely improved his draft stock this week and could be an early day-three selection.
DJ Coleman, DE, Missouri
Our next Hula Bowl standout comes from Team Kai, DJ Coleman started at Div-II Jacksonville State before transferring to Missouri. A disruptive force for both (39 TFLs & 22½ sacks combined) and displayed that same play during the Hula Bowl game. Coleman was the Kai Team’s best defender on the day, and he finished with five tackles, 1½ TFLs, 1½ sacks, and one forced fumble. The competition level he played against at Jacksonville State will be a concern, but he showed in this game that he can play against anyone. He’ll likely be a day-three selection on draft day.
Justin Ford, CB, Montana
The final Hula Bowl standout is CB Justin Ford from the Montana Grizzlies. With all the hype created by NFL rookies such as Ahmad Gardner and Tariq Woolen CB will be looked at a little differently. Ford played one hell of a game, even if the box score doesn’t quite show it. He played excellent defense all game long and will have scouts going back to check more film on him. Ford’s box score for the game consisted of just three PBUs. They tested him from the jump literally, as they threw a deep post route on the first play, and he got the PBU. Do you have a late-round pick and need a flyer? Throw the dart here.
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
