Six WKU Football players have been selected to the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist, the East-West Shrine Bowl announced Tuesday.
Representing the Hilltoppers on the list are defensive backs Upton Stout and Anthony Johnson Jr., offensive lineman Quantavious Leslie, receivers Dalvin Smith and Kisean Johnson, and quarterback TJ Finley.
The list recognized the top 1,000 all-star game-eligible players in college football.
Stout had a notable 2023 season despite injuries, appearing in seven games with six starts. He tallied 29 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception, five quarterback hurries, and eight pass breakups. He scored two defensive touchdowns, including a 53-yard interception return against Houston Christian and a 16-yard fumble recovery return against FIU.
Anthony Johnson Jr. earned Famous Toastery Bowl Defensive MVP honors in his first season at WKU. He played in 10 games with nine starts, recording 44 total tackles, one tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, four interceptions, five pass breakups, and one blocked kick. Johnson led WKU in interceptions and Conference USA in interceptions per game, contributing to WKU’s top-ranked turnover defense.
Leslie has been a key player at left guard for the Hilltoppers, entering his fourth year as a starter. In 2023, he started all 12 regular-season games, helping WKU finish second in Conference USA and tied for ninth nationally in sacks allowed.
Smith, in his sixth season with WKU, was the team’s second-leading receiver in 2023, with 513 yards and six touchdowns on 50 catches. He had standout performances in the Famous Toastery Bowl, including three touchdowns and a season-high nine catches.
Finley is entering his first season at WKU after playing for Texas State, Auburn, and LSU. In 2023, he earned several accolades, including All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention and set a Texas State record for passing yards in a season with 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns. He helped lead Texas State to its first-ever win over a Power Five team and a victory in the First Responder Bowl.
Kisean Johnson, also new to WKU, was Alabama State’s top receiver for the past two seasons. He led the league in receiving yards, receptions per game, and receiving touchdowns in 2023, earning All-America Third Team and First Team All-SWAC honors.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is scheduled for January 30, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game provides NFL hopefuls an opportunity to showcase their skills while supporting Shriners Children’s mission. Several former Hilltoppers have participated in the Shrine Bowl in recent years, including Austin Reed, Brodric Martin, Kahlef Hailassie, and Jerreth Sterns.
