University of North Texas Athletics
Novil Named to NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board
8/27/2021 11:07:00 AM | Football
Senior Abilene native continues to rack up honors
DENTON, Texas – North Texas senior defensive lineman Dion Novil has been named to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl's 2021-22 Preseason Big Board, the NFL Players Association announced Friday.Â
The Abilene native has previously been named the watch lists for the Rotary Lombardi Award and the Nagurski Trophy, along with a 2021 Conference USA Preseason watch list selection. He is also on the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl Preseason Watch List.Â
Novil, a disruptive force in the middle of the UNT defense, recorded 37 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2020. For his career, he has tallied 20 TFL and 4.0 sacks in 39 games (25 starts).Â
Entering his fourth season as starter, Novil earned first team All-Conference USA recognition in 2020 after receiving honorable mention honors in 2019.Â
This January, the NFL Players Association will produce the 10th annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Since 2011, the NFLPA Bowl has provided senior NFL prospects with an exceptional platform to showcase their talents to all 32 NFL teams as well as a one-of-a-kind experience that educates participants about the business of football. In the past two years alone, 87 NFLPA Bowl participants have been invited to the NFL Combine and 58 were drafted by NFL clubs.Â
North Texas opens the 2021 season at Apogee Stadium against Northwestern State at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4. Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets for the 2021 season are now available online. Any ticket-related questions may be directed to the Mean Green Athletics Ticket Office via email at ticketoffice@unt.edu or by phone at (940) 565-2527. Â
Be sure to keep an eye on MeanGreenSports.com, follow Mean Green Sports on social media @MeanGreenSports and Mean Green football at @MeanGreenFB for all of the latest information on the upcoming 2021 football season.Â
