BJ Thompson and Titus Leo Win Big at Shrine Bowl
They stood out like a pair of aces during their week-long stay in Las Vegas.
Small-school defensive ends BJ Thompson (Stephen F. Austin) and Titus Leo (Wagner), who both hail from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) ranks, took advantage of the increased exposure provided by the East West Shrine Bowl.
Prior to impressive gameday performances, Thompson and Leo consistently earned praise throughout a week’s worth of practices.
“BJ Thompson has made himself some money this week in Las Vegas. From the weigh in, through practice and now with the first sack in the game, his Shrine Bowl process has been flawless….” said Pro Football Network analyst Oliver Hodgkinson via Twitter.
Thompson and Leo routinely displayed their ability to win on-field battles despite facing an increased level of competition. Both edge rushers also measured up physically to their fellow all-stars, the majority of whom competed for Power 5 college programs.
“Another great showing from Wagner DE Titus Leo! Put himself even MORE on the map after a great three days of practice so far at the Shrine Bowl,” College Football Network senior director Cam Mellon tweeted.
With both defenses dominating on gameday at Allegiant Stadium, Thompson and Leo made multiple impactful plays during the West Team’s 12-3 victory.
Thompson, who was credited with four tackles, was repeatedly disruptive in the touchdown-less all-star game where the two sides combined for only 427 yards. The former Lumberjack logged 1.5 sacks, including a solo takedown to force a third-and-long at midfield.
Leo made the opposing quarterback uncomfortable on a couple of occasions while officially logging 0.5 sack and one QB hit. Lined up over the left tackle for a second-down play from the West Team’s 45-yard line, the New York City product helped collapse the pocket around the passer and recorded the half-sack on the East Team’s first possession of the second half.
Both NFL hopefuls displayed notable reliability during their five-year collegiate careers. Thompson played in 33 consecutive games for Stephen F. Austin after transferring from Waco to Nacogdoches. Leo closed out his Wagner career with a string of 34 straight appearances.
Appearing unfazed by the added attention or step-up in competition, Thompson and Leo checked a lot of boxes during Shrine Bowl Week.
They won’t be supplanting Alabama’s Will Anderson or Clemson’s Myles Murphy at the top of any mock drafts, but BJ Thompson and Titus Leo have earned the attention of NFL talent evaluators.
DE Titus Leo, Wagner
Ht: 0633 | Wt: 243 | Hand: 0968 | Arm: 3368
Leo’s athleticism and explosiveness are glaringly evident to any observer of his college game film. The 6-foot-3 edge rusher, who initially came to Wagner as a wiry wide receiver/linebacker, naturally overpowered opponents as an upperclassman at the FCS level. Routinely attracting double teams, Leo 36.5 tackles-for-loss over his last 24 college games.
After an injury-shortened freshman campaign, Leo proceeded to bulk up physically on the way to three consecutive all-conference first team selections.
As an underclassman, he was a teammate of Cam Gill, a 2020 Shrine Bowl participant who went onto to win Super Bowl LV as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I’ve heard the stories from when he was first here, Cam Gill used to beat him up pretty good on the practice field and I think he took stock in that.,” said Wagner head coach Tom Masella. “He’s a loyal player. He had opportunities to leave Wagner, but he stayed.”
Scout’s Take: “A protégé under former Wagner defensive line coach Terrance ‘Pot Roast’ Knighton (Nebraska), the strong, agile Leo has earned a reputation for living rent free in the backfield. He has displayed variety with his pass-rush ability, booth with his hand in the dirt and standing up on the outside. In addition, he has also done a wonderful job setting the edge against the run. A former wideout/cornerback, Leo owns great athleticism and quickness, with a pro-ready frame, making him a strong candidate to hear his name called on Day Three.” - Ric Serritella, NFL Draft Bible founder
DE BJ Thompson, Stephen F. Austin
Ht: 0653 | Wt: 238 | Hand: 1000 | Arm: 3438
Thompson’s size and speed are enough to make any scout salivate, and his productive Shrine Bowl Week only strengthened his appeal.
With Thompson having yet to receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, Evan Lazar, a long-tenured writer for Patriots.com, tweeted, “Stephen F. Austin EDGE BJ Thompson needs a combine invite. This first-step explosiveness and bend is legit.”
The former Baylor Bear totaled at least 5.0 sacks in each of his three seasons competing for SFA. Over his last 23 games, the 6-foot-5 defensive end accounted for 14.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries and five forced fumbles.
After being named an all-state player on both sides of the ball at England High School in Arkansas, Thompson played in 19 games over two seasons (2017, 2018) at Baylor. As a sophomore, he recorded 4.0 sacks and blocked three kicks while making 10 appearances.
Scout’s Take: “One of the most athletic freaks in the 2023 NNFL Draft, Thompson remains the biggest NFL Combine snub to date. While he possesses a lightning quick first step, he’ll need to bulk up at the next level. He had offers from Florida and Texas coming out of high school, so the pedigree has certainly always been there. Thompson has been timed in the sub-4.50 range, has a 40” vertical jump and 11-fooot broad jump. Thompson could very well emerge as the highest non-combine invite drafted due to his ability to get after the quarterback.” - Ric Serritella, NFL Draft Bible founder
Ralph Ventre (@RealestRalph) covers the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) for NFLDraftBible. He is a voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25.
