NORMAL, Ill. – A talented trio of Illinois State football standouts have been named to the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List, as offensive lineman Hunter Zambrano, linebacker Amir Adbullah and wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz were each recognized among some of the best draft-eligible players in the country.
Every year, approximately 1000 all-star game eligible players are drafted, signed after the draft, or attend a rookie mini-camp. The aim of the Shrine Bowl 1000 is to serve as a look into the organization's scouting process, as well as beginning to preview college players who are currently all-star game eligible for the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl and the 2024 NFL Draft class. The Shrine Bowl scouted players from all four levels of football and consulted with NFL and college personnel to ensure the selection of the best 1000 players for the NFL level.
Zambrano is a three-year starter on the offensive line for the Redbirds and earned All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Second-Team honors in 2023 after grading out as the team's top offensive lineman. The Weston, Florida, native was a key member of the offensive line unit that allowed the fewest sacks in the MVFC with just seven on the year, ranking the group in the top five nationally. ISU's rushing offense also ranked third in the league with 197.5 yards per game on the ground, and the Redbirds ranked third in the league in total offense and in scoring.
Abdullah earned 2023 Phil Steele FCS All-America Second Team honors and was also named a Third Team All-American by FCS Football Central, the Associated Press and Stats Perform in his first season with the Redbirds. The Chicago product finished 9th in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football and was an All-MVFC First-Team selection at linebacker. Addullah ranked No. 6 in the FCS in sacks per game (0.86) and tied for the league lead with 9.5 sacks while leading the MVFC with 14.0 tackles for loss.
Sobkowicz is a two-year starter at wide receiver for the Redbirds and was a 2023 All-MVFC Second-Team selection, after he ranked in the top 20 in the country in touchdowns (10), receiving yards (933), yards per game (84.8) and receptions per game (6.2). The Arlington Heights, Illinois, native led the MVFC with those 10 touchdown receptions and ranked third in yards and yards per game.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is a best-in-class all-star event that will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on January 30, 2025. Players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level. Last season, Redbird tight end Cam Grandy played in the East-West Shrine Bowl before signing an undrafted free agent contract to play for the Cincinnati Bengals.
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