Cal Poly senior wide receiver J.J. Koski has accepted an invitation to play in the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
The game between National and American all-star teams will be played Jan. 18 in the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Pacific and the game will be televised by NFL Network.
A graduate of San Ramon Valley High School, Koski is No. 7 in career receptions (115), No. 8 in career receiving yards (2,224) and tied for No. 8 in career receiving touchdowns (15) at Cal Poly.
Koski has surpassed his single-season highs this year with 36 receptions for 781 yards and five scores.
"J.J. has proven that he has next-level talent and this invitation validates his abilities," said Mustang head coach Tim Walsh. "He is a great young man who works hard at the skills to play wide receiver and will represent himself well at the next level.
"He is confident in his abilities and probably the most unselfish player I have coached," Walsh added. "He's a great Mustang and congrats, J.J. Koski!"
Last Mustang to play in an all-star game was linebacker Johnny Millard in the inaugural Medal of Honor Bowl held in Charleston, S.C. as well as the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., both following the 2013 season.
A year ago, Koski returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, the first Mustang to do so in 10 years. He caught 18 passes in 2016, 28 in 2017 and 33 in 2018 and was Cal Poly's top receiver his last three years as a Mustang.
Founded in 2012, the National Football League Players Association Collegiate Bowl gives prospective players the best opportunity to showcase their talents to potential employers and fans. Nearly 200 scouts, player personnel staff, general managers and head coaches from all 32 NFL teams are expected be in attendance to watch live practices, conduct player interviews and review tape.
Hue Jackson and Marvin Lewis will face off as head coaches for the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Jackson has coached for the Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders, among others. A former Idaho State standout, Lewis broke into the NFL ranks in 1992 when he was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers to coach their linebackers, followed by six years as defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, one year as an assistant with the Washington Redskins and 16 seasons as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, which included seven playoff appearances and four division titles.
The National squad won the first seven NFLPA Collegiate Bowls before the American team earned a 10-7 victory last year.
-Provided by Cal Poly
