Four BYU Football Players Recognized As Top Draft Prospects By NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Four former BYU football seniors have received recognition from the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

The recognition tabs the former BYU standouts as “top prospects” by the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl scouting department. BYU’s three players recognized by the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl include tight end Matt Bushman, linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi, and offensive lineman Tristen Hoge.

Got your invitation? 🎟 Now's the time to register and mark your calendars for Jan 13 & 14. Engage with active + former players at your position, hear direct from the sources about what teams are looking for and don't forget the gift swag 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Mbp9ukRKsI

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) January 9, 2021

Typically, the NFLPA Bowl would be inviting players to its annual game. But due to COVID-19, the All-Star showcase for college football seniors was canceled this season. Instead, the NFLPA Bowl is hosting a virtual event for its top prospects that’s called “NFLPA U.”

NFLPA U will be a two-day event from Wednesday, January 13 to Thursday, January 14, giving players a virtual education to help them transition from college to the pros.

Philadelphia Eagles Front Office Consultant John Dorsey will speak to the players and former players Michael Vick, Terrell Davis, Brian Dawkins, and Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders.

NFLPA Collegiate Bowl recognizes four BYU football players

Tight end Matt Bushman entered the 2020 season as one of the top draft prospects at his position before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Bushman led BYU in receiving yards during his three years with the Cougars from 2017-2019.

Joining us at #NFLPAU is @BYUfootball TE @mbush89! pic.twitter.com/F76B2bQtTP

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) January 6, 2021

Bushman totaled 1,719 receiving yards on 125 receptions and hauled nine touchdown grabs in his three seasons at BYU. What’s impressive about Bushman’s production is that six different players started at quarterback during his three years at BYU.

Bushman shared a video on his personal Instagram page, highlighting how much progress he has made since suffering the season-ending injury four months ago.

We're excited to welcome @HogeTristen to #NFLPAU 👊 @BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/32UWCjU0PP

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) January 8, 2021

Offensive lineman Tristen Hoge entered the 2020 season as one of the top Draft prospects on BYU’s roster. Hoge was a pre-season Senior Bowl watchlist candidate. During his graduate senior season, he battled COVID-19 pneumonia, causing him to miss game action. In the eight games he played in 2020, he was instrumental in BYU’s wide zone-blocking schemes that helped produce BYU’s first 1,000-yard rusher in four years.

.@isaiah_kaufusi is one to watch! We'll see you at #NFLPAU. @BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/8zLV7BNfIy

— The Collegiate Bowl (@NFLPABowl) January 12, 2021

Linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi received an invitation on Tuesday. Kaufusi led BYU in tackles in 2020 with 83 in his senior season and was a co-leader in sacks with four. A three-year starter, Kaufusi also had an interception, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, a quarterback hurry, and a pass breakup.

INVITED ✔️ pic.twitter.com/ctFJtqpvcF

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) January 13, 2021

Nose tackle Khyiris Tonga was one of the top defensive linemen for the Cougars the past four seasons. During his four seasons with the Cougars, Tonga racked up 130 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 12 pass breakups.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper and the KSL Sports app.