Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe officially accepts Senior Bowl invite
Five Auburn Tigers were extended with Reese’s Senior Bowl invites. So far, two have officially accepted.
First, senior, and former Northwestern edge Eku Leota accepted his invite. He was listed as a senior, but had an opportunity to come back for an extra year.
Now, senior linebacker Owen Pappoe has officially accepted his invite to play in the game. Pappoe started or played a significant role in every game since his freshman season, besides missing games in 2021 with an injury.
The former 5-star prospect, who goes by the nickname “The Freak”, was a two-time team captain selection during his time as a Tiger.
Pappoe career stats
In 2019, Pappoe was first seen playing significantly against Oregon in the season opening win. He had 5 total tackles and knocked down a pass. He would finish his freshman season with 49 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 pass break ups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Pappoe was named a midseason FWAA freshman All-American.
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Pappoe broke out in 2020 as a sophomore. He had 93 tackles, 4 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception after making the preseason 2nd team All-SEC team.
In 2021, before his injury, Pappoe was selected to Lindy’s 1st team All-SEC in the preseason. He then would record 23 tackles in 5 games as a junior.
As a senior with one regular season game remaining, Pappoe has 82 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He had a career high game in tackles against Ole Miss with 16 total.
Latest Draft buzz
Pappoe earned his nickname by performing well athletically in every testing opportunity (40 time, vertical, etc.). He is expected to do the same when working out for the NFL Combine.
Nfldraftbuzz.com currently sees Pappoe as a late 2nd round, early 3rd round draft prospect. Here is what that service had to say about Pappoe: “Pappoe has great potential if he can hone his skills and is positioned in a scheme that takes full advantage of his talents. We expect Pappoe to be selected in the second/third round in the 2023 NFL Draft and develop into a playmaker at the next level.”
