Washington State linebacker Peyton Pelluer accepts invite to NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

PULLMAN – Peyton Pelluer will have one more opportunity to compete with other collegiate players in January when he takes part in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, designed for seniors hoping to play at the next level.

The Collegiate Bowl announced Thursday that Washington State’s sixth-year senior linebacker had accepted an invitation to play in the game, scheduled for Jan. 19 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Running back Jamal Morrow, Rush linebacker Frankie Luvu and kicker Erik Powell all accepted invitations to play in the game last year, but only Luvu and Powell competed as Morrow was still recovering from an injury suffered in the Holiday Bowl.

Pelluer is the longest-tenured player in Washington State history and will appear in the 54th game of his career when the Cougars take on Iowa State in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Friday in San Antonio.

The All-Pac-12 honorable mention linebacker led the Cougars in tackles during the regular season with 86, also posting nine tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks, four quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Pelluer is one of 11 Pac-12 players who will play in the Collegiate Bowl. He’ll join Washington quarterback Jake Browning, Colorado receiver Juwann Winfree, Colorado running back Travon McMillian, Cal linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk, Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins, Stanford cornerback Alijah Holder, Stanford punter Jacob Bailey, Stanford receiver Trenton Irwin, Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke and Stanford running back Bryce Love.

Eastern Washington cornerback Josh Lewis and defensive tackle Jay-Tee Tiulu were also selected for the game.

Pelluer is the third WSU senior to accept an invite to a postseason all-star game. Quarterback Gardner Minshew and left tackle Andre Dillard already got invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, which will be played on Jan. 26 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.