Texas Tech's Zech McPhearson made a leap this year in his second season as a Red Raider after transferring in from Penn State. Striking while the iron is hot McPhearson has decided to test his game at the NFL level by entering the NFL draft. A sleeper prospect after an inconsistent collegiate career, McPhearson will need to make some noise this offseason to get his name called in April.

He'll start that process by participating in the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game.

The Hula Bowl is set for an 8:30 p.m. CT kickoff on Jan. 31 from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu with television coverage provided on CBS Sports Network. McPhearson is the third Red Raider to play in the game the past two years alone, joining 2020 participants Douglas Coleman III and Donta Thompson.

The East-West Shrine Game will be different this year because the actual game has been canceled due to challenges presented by COVID-19. The players selected will still get to participate in virtual training sessions to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft and will get the value of having their name attached. That might seem small, but every bit helps. These virtual sessions will be led by current NFL coaches and operations staff.

McPhearson was a bright spot in the Texas Tech secondary this season culminating in his All-Big 12 first-team selection. He finished 2020 with four interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries including a scoop and score that was the winning touchdown against West Virginia. He also recovered a blocked field goal that he returned 90 yards for a touchdown against Iowa State.

 

McPhearson declared for the 2021 NFL Draft in late December. Joining him in his NFL draft journey are Jack Anderson, who will participate in the Reese's Senior Bowl on January 30th, and Eli Howard who will participate in the College Gridiron Showcase this weekend.

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