Tailgreeter Cure Bowl Preview
Game: Tailgreeter Cure Bowl
Location: Exploria Stadium – Orlando, FL
Date: December 17, 2021 @ 6:00 pm ET
The Tailgreeter Cure Bowl bits Northern Illinois University against Coastal Carolina University. We’re going to take a look at a few potential 2022 NFL Draft prospects from each team leading up to the matchup.
Northern Illinois
- Clint Ratkovich – RB
- Brayden Patton – C
- Marques Cox – OT
Ratkovich is a 6’1″ senior running from Crete, Illinois. In four seasons, between Western Illinois and Northern Illinois, he’s rushed 164 times for 745 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s also added another 124 catches for 1,173 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. While some have him listed as a fullback, he’s a bit undersized and will most likely just be a tailback instead. Clint has above-average speed, and is serviceable coming out of the backfield as a receiver. He has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine game.
Brayden is a 6’5″ redshirt senior center from Ellettsville, Indiana. Since 2018, he has started 38 games splitting time between left and right guard as well as center. While his versatility and footwork will work in his favor, there as questions in regards to his play strength. Coastal Carolina’s defense will be a great final test for him before starting his draft preperations.
Cox is a 6’6″ redshirt sophomore offensive tackle from Peoria, Illinois. He may be the best NFL prospect on the Huskies’ team. Marques has all the size you could ask for from a NFL lineman, and has started 29 games over three seasons. The big question is whether or not he’ll come out early.
Coastal Carolina
- Jaivon Heiligh – WR
- Jeffrey Gunter – DE
- Isaiah Likely – TE
Heiligh is a 6’2″ senior wide receiver from Venice, Florida. He has seen an increase in production over each of his four seasons at Coastal Carolina. This season he finished with a team leading 59 catches, 1,034 yards, and seven touchdowns. He’s a solid route running with soft hands and great body control. Jaivon isn’t going to contend as a WR1, especially with this draft class, but he’ll be a solid addition on Day 2 (maybe 3).
Gunter is a 6’4″, 260 lb. senior edge rusher from Durham, North Carolina. He’s athletic enough to play in coverage, so there’s a chance he could play either defensive end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4. Explosive and powerful, Jeffrey has the skills needed to be an effective pass rusher at the NFL level.
Likely is probably the best NFL draft prospect playing in this matchup. The 6’4″ senior tight end has positioned himself as a top 5 tight end prospect heading into the draft. He does well blocking, has the size to be a redzone threat, and speed of a wide receiver. Isaiah has all the skills to be a problem for opposing defenses at the next level.
All three of these players have accepted invitations to post season All-Star games.
The Tailgreeter Cure Bowl is a matchup I’m looking forward to. Getting a chance to watch Coastal Carolina’s offensive weapons continue to showcase themselves, while the Huskies look to break into the spotlight should be fun. Are there any other prospects you’ll be keeping an eye on? Let us know in the comment section below.