BOONE, N.C. — Three outgoing seniors from App State will continue their pursuits of professional football careers this week.
Offensive lineman
Ryan Neuzil, cornerback
Shemar Jean-Charles and quarterback
Zac Thomas received invitations from the annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, which won't hold an actual game this year given the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instead, on Wednesday and Thursday, there will be a two-day virtual NFLPA "U" experience, as the players chosen will receive both recognition for being identified as a top prospect by the NFLPA Bowl scouting department as well as a virtual educational program from the NFL Players Association to help them transition to the pros.
Three days after the NFLPA "U" experience ends, Thomas and Jean-Charles are scheduled to play Sunday in the FBS All Americans Tropical Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Celebration, Fla, near Orlando, and the game will be
streamed at FloFootball.com at THIS LINK.
Thomas is the only quarterback listed on the roster of the National team being coached by Jim Collins, while Jean-Charles is listed as a defensive back for the American team being coached by Chris Miller. Thomas is listed as No. 11, and Jean-Charles is listed as No. 2.
The strong-armed Thomas went 32-6 as an App State starter, a win total that ranked behind only Clemson's Trevor Lawrence for career victories among FBS quarterbacks playing in 2020. Thomas finished No. 3 in school history with 69 career TD passes, No. 4 with 6,979 passing yards, No. 5 in TD responsibility (88 passing/running, plus one receiving) and No. 5 in total offense with 8,281 yards.
Jean-Charles was named a first-team All-American by the prestigious Walter Camp Football Foundation. He led the nation as a senior with 16 PBUs and 17 passes defended (with one interception) in 12 games and finished his career with 31 PBUs among his 33 passes defended (with two interceptions). He added 97 career tackles, including 82 in his two seasons as a starter.
Neuzil, who was named a second-team All-American by two publications, finished his career with 44 straight starts at left guard after battling for the starting center spot at the beginning of his college career. He was a two-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection from PFF College, which gave him a stellar run-block grade of 85.6.
