Canadians set to play prominent roles in NCAA bowls

Four Canadians could be key factors in some big time NCAA bowl games.

A quartet of athletes from north of the border will start for their respective American college football programs, one on the offensive line and three on the defensive side.

David Knevel, OL, Nebraska

Music City Bowl

Friday, December 30

No. 21 Tennessee vs. Nebraska

Nashville, TN

3:30 p.m. ET

Knevel snapshot: The Brantford, ON native mans the right tackle spot for the Cornhuskers. He earned a starting role in his junior season after playing in nine games as a sophomore and four his freshman year. Knevel became the first Canadian since kicker Sandro DeAngelis to earn a scholarship to Nebraska.

Jonathan Kongbo, DL, Tennessee

Music City Bowl

Friday, December 30

No. 21 Tennessee vs. Nebraska

Nashville, TN

3:30 p.m. ET

Kongbo snapshot: After gaining a reputation as the No. 1 junior college defensive line prospect, Kongbo received scholarships offers from Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma, USC, Florida State, Washington, Ole Miss and Tennessee. The six-foot-six, 270-pounder chose the Volunteers and in his first year in Knoxville, TN played in 12 games and made one start recording seven tackles, one tackle for loss, five quarterback hits and one interception that he returned 59 yards for a touchdown.

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Faith Ekakitie, DL, Iowa

Outback Bowl

Monday, January 2, 2017

No. 17 Florida vs. Iowa

Tampa, FL

1 p.m. ET

Ekakitie snapshot: Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz said in mid-November that the senior defensive lineman was playing his best football right now. The Brampton, ON product recorded 37 tackles, two tackles for loss in 11 games with Iowa. Ekakitie won the team’s Finish Strong Award for what he accomplished in 2016. Iowa beat reporter Bobby La Gesse noted three Saskatchewan Roughrider scouts took in the Hawkeyes game against Illinois live on November 19.

Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

Sugar Bowl

Monday, January 2, 2017

No. 7 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Auburn

New Orleans, LA

8:30 p.m.

Gallimore snapshot: The first player from Canada ever selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl garnered more than 30 major scholarship offers and chose the Sooners over the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and USC. Gallimore redshirted in 2015 and made an impact this season, registering 39 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble.

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