Concordia Stinger offensive tackle Maurice Simba has made history by earning a spot in the first group of players from Canadian universities ever invited to participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 19, 2019.
The event was founded in 2012 by the National Football League Players Association and is the premier postseason all-star game for draft-eligible college football players. It 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 to attend.
“I’m very excited for the game,” said Simba, a fourth-year standout who resides in Laval, Que. “I feel blessed. I’m know I can compete at the highest level, even if I’m from Canada. I want to show everyone that at Concordia we have a good football program, good coaches and good players that can compete everywhere.”
Simba is eligible for the 2019 NFL and CFL drafts. He was the 18th top prospect on the fall scouting bureau rankings released by the CFL in August.
The six-foot-eight, 320-pound native of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been on the CFL radar for a long time. His size is definitely a big draw, but he’s also respected for his character.
NFL teams have also expressed interest in the big tackle. Many have contacted him, and the Pittsburgh Steelers sent a scout to evaluate him during the season.
Simba recently earned his second consecutive RSEQ all-star honour. In 2017 he was a second team U SPORTS all-Canadian.
