Antwon Bailey, Phillip Thomas On Display In NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

Just when you thought they couldn't possibly add more bowl games, it seems like the number of post-season bowl games is exploding.

And so, today comes the inaugural Collegiate Bowl, an all-star football game sponsored by the NFL Player’s Association and chance for incoming talent to showcase themselves so well that they might become a part of that association.

Syracuse Orange football players Antwon Bailey and Phillip Thomas are both taking part in the game, which takes place at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus).

Thomas still refuses to say exactly got him suspended from the team this past season, though he does say he has no ill will towards the SU coaches:

"I have no problem with the coaching staff," he said. "It (what happened) was above them. There was nothing they could have done.

"That’s a good coaching staff," Thomas said. "I would advise any young man to go play for them. They helped me in every way. I would never talk bad about the coaching staff."

Thomas has signed with Rosenhaus Sports Representation, which bodes well I suppose. He'll have to explain his situation to scouts but I can't imagine it will keep him out of the league if they want him. Talent trumps everything (right, Mike Williams?).

As for Bailey, he knows that the odds are stacked against him given his size, but he seems positive:

"I’m hearing late (round) to priority free agent. It could go either way. I could be drafted or not," he said. "I’ve been in that little uphill battle for a long time, so I ain’t too worried."

Bailey was supposed to participate in last weekend’s Casino Del Sol All-Star game but withdrew due to his agent's advice. He's repped by former NFL fullback Tony Paige from Perennial Sports and Entertainment.

Bailey has impressed so far. He's turned a few heads with his runs and has been "showing off good quickness, burst and a natural awareness of how to hit the hole."

Here's a clip of Antwon from Wednesday's practice via Nolan and Syracuse.com: