Colorado State University Athletics
Dawkins, Thompson accept invites to postseason all-star games
12/28/2017 11:53:00 AM | Football
Rams now have six players participating in NFL Draft showcase events
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Seniors Dalyn Dawkins and Darnell Thompson have accepted invitations to play in postseason all-star games.
Dawkins is CSU's second player to make plans to participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (Jan. 20, Pasadena, Calif.), joining Zack Golditch. Thompson is headed to the Tropical Bowl (Jan. 14, Daytona Beach, Fla.), giving the Rams six total players participating in postseason NFL Draft showcase events.
Dawkins was a standout running back for the Rams this season, posting 1,399 yards on the ground and adding 310 more yards receiving. His season rushing total is the fifth-most in program history, and moved him into third all-time in career rushing yards at CSU (3,185). He ran for 100-plus yards seven times this season, with a season-high 191 yards against Nevada on Oct. 14.
Thompson started every game on the defensive line for the Rams in 2017, posting 36 tackles (four for loss). He had a season-high five tackles against Air Force on Oct. 28, and had four tackles against then-No. 1 Alabama on Sept. 16. His four quarterback hurries tied for the team lead. Thompson will be CSU's fourth player to appear in the Tropical Bowl, joining offensive linemen Nick Callender and Fred Zerblis (2016) and tight end Steven Walker (2015).
"I am very excited for both Dalyn Dawkins and Darnell Thompson to have the opportunity to showcase their talents in these bowls," CSU head coach Mike Bobo said. "They have both been tremendous players for us, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do at the next level."
The Rams have six players that have accepted invitations to play in NFL Draft showcase games:
"It's great that we have six players participating in all-star games," Bobo said. "They have all contributed so much to this football program and to the University, and they have certainly earned these opportunities."
A total of 18 Rams have played in postseason all-star games since Bobo took over as head coach in 2015. CSU has had at least five players appear in all-star games every year since 2013.
Dawkins is CSU's second player to make plans to participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (Jan. 20, Pasadena, Calif.), joining Zack Golditch. Thompson is headed to the Tropical Bowl (Jan. 14, Daytona Beach, Fla.), giving the Rams six total players participating in postseason NFL Draft showcase events.
Dawkins was a standout running back for the Rams this season, posting 1,399 yards on the ground and adding 310 more yards receiving. His season rushing total is the fifth-most in program history, and moved him into third all-time in career rushing yards at CSU (3,185). He ran for 100-plus yards seven times this season, with a season-high 191 yards against Nevada on Oct. 14.
Thompson started every game on the defensive line for the Rams in 2017, posting 36 tackles (four for loss). He had a season-high five tackles against Air Force on Oct. 28, and had four tackles against then-No. 1 Alabama on Sept. 16. His four quarterback hurries tied for the team lead. Thompson will be CSU's fourth player to appear in the Tropical Bowl, joining offensive linemen Nick Callender and Fred Zerblis (2016) and tight end Steven Walker (2015).
"I am very excited for both Dalyn Dawkins and Darnell Thompson to have the opportunity to showcase their talents in these bowls," CSU head coach Mike Bobo said. "They have both been tremendous players for us, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do at the next level."
The Rams have six players that have accepted invitations to play in NFL Draft showcase games:
- C Jake Bennett – East-West Shrine Game
- RB Dalyn Dawkins – NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
- WR Michael Gallup – Senior Bowl
- OL Zack Golditch – NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
- QB Nick Stevens – East-West Shrine Game
- DL Darnell Thompson – Tropical Bowl
"It's great that we have six players participating in all-star games," Bobo said. "They have all contributed so much to this football program and to the University, and they have certainly earned these opportunities."
A total of 18 Rams have played in postseason all-star games since Bobo took over as head coach in 2015. CSU has had at least five players appear in all-star games every year since 2013.
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