The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2023 Cure Bowl.
Matthew Salopek, LB
Salopek has been at Miami for five seasons and has been an impact player over the last three seasons. In his career, he has registered 385 total tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. On the season, Salopek has 134 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Salopek has played both linebacker and defensive back in his college career. If he can play linebacker at the next level, his coverage experience will come in handy. He is undersized for a linebacker at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, but he has added weight over the last few seasons. Playing special teams is his best bet to get his foot in the door at the NFL level.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Gage Larvadain, WR
Larvadain started his college career at Southeastern Louisiana at the FCS level. He played two seasons there before transferring to Miami (Ohio) for this season. In his one season at the FBS level, Larvadain has 38 catches for 643 yards and six touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Larvadain is undersized for an NFL receiver. He will likely have to play in the slot at the NFL level to find the field. Larvadain has great ability with the ball in his hands. Larvadain may have to play special teams and utilize those talents to help make a roster. He has another year of eligibility and may return to school.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
*QB Brett Gabbert is out for this game with an injury, but is a projected undrafted free agent.
Nate Noel, RB
Noel has been a productive running back over the last four seasons at Appalachian State. In his career, he has 3,074 rushing yards, 272 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns. This season, Noel has racked up 834 rushing yards, 86 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
He isn’t the biggest running back at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds. Noel has plenty of production, but also has some wear and tear from so many college carries. More receiving success could have helped his stock. Like many others, playing special teams is the best bet to make an NFL roster.
Projected Draft Range: 6th Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Tyrek Funderburk, CB
Funderburk started his career at Richmond of the FCS level where he spent five seasons. He transferred to Appalachian State before the 2023 season and has immediately produced for the Mountaineers. Funderburk has 47 total tackles, eight passes defended and four interceptions this season.
He stands at 6-foot and 180 pounds, which means he’ll likely need to add strength at the next level to succeed. Funderburk has shown good ball skills both at Richmond and at Appalachian State during his career. He likely won’t be drafted, but could have a chance to make an NFL roster.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
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