247Sports is once again stamping its passport and going international. With PPI Recruits set to host its annual Road2D1 combine later this week in Germany, we’re going to be on-site in Frankfurt for Friday’s workout and also on hand to scout Saturday’s International Bowl, which will bring together more than 150 kids from around the world for a controlled scrimmage.
The list of prospects expected to participate is extremely unique and it’s one that includes a pair of Germans already set to play in the SEC: Alabama linebacker commit Justin Okoronkwo and Florida offensive line commit Noel Portnjagin.
“We got guys coming from Australia, New Zealand, Africa and all throughout Europe,” PPI founder Brandon Collier said. “It’s going to be the best of the best international kids.”
Okoronkwo created quite the stir this past summer when he flipped his commitment from Maryland to Alabama. A former gymnast and goalkeeper on the soccer pitch, Okoronkwo didn’t know much about American football until he met Collier.
“More and more schools are starting to open up to international kids,” Collier explained. “Last year we had 23 kids that signed with Division 1 programs. This year it will be close to 30. When you get [Nick] Saban taking one of them, it just shows how much the international game is growing, and it won’t slow down because these kids are getting just better and better. The market is there for them.”
Other Europeans on the event’s roster that are already committed to play for FBS programs include: UConn running back commit Oliver Lundberg, FAU offensive line commit Keon Rohé, Ohio running back commit Duncan Brune, UMass defensive back commit Franck Elokan, and Temple tight end commit Daniel Evert.
While the class of 2024 prospects will certainly be in the spotlight, Collier is just as excited about the group of youngsters that will be on hand as he has already been fielding calls from Power Five decision-makers about a majority of them.
“Over 50 schools have asked me about the film and the access to the combine and game,” Collier said. “I was actually just talking to the guys at Alabama. They were asking about a few other kids that they have been eyeing and they want to see how they are going to perform.”
Swedish 2026 defensive lineman Adrian Bekibele is one of the underclassmen set to be in attendance that is already on recruiting boards as he reports early tenders from both Georgia and Florida. Valdin Sone is another Swede of note as the 2027 offensive lineman picked up an offer from Nebraska a few months ago.
What’s also unique about this year’s Road2D1 combine and International Bowl is that it’s being held around the same time as the NFL’s Frankfurt Games with the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs set to play on Nov. 5 before the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots square off on November 12th.
NOTABLE PARTICIPANTS EXPECTED
LB Justin Okoronkwo, Alabama commit: A member of the 2023 Freak’s List for 247Sports, Okornkwo tested off the charts back in June while touring the United States on PPI’s annual Dream Chasers Tour, clocking a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash to go along with a 4.04 in the short shuttle and a 121-inch broad jump.
OL Noel Portnjagin, Florida commit: A breakdancer growing up, Portnjagin committed to the Gators this past summer after camping in Gainesville and impressing the staff. He’s listed at 6-foot-5, 334 pounds.
CB Timi Oke: Northwestern flew Oke out to Chicago this past weekend for an official visit. He dominated the London-based NFL Academy’s Pro Day back in April, laying down a laser-timed 4.0 effort in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot, 175 pounds.
RB Oliver Lundberg, UConn commit: Lundberg was recognized by 247Sports as a top performer at last year’s Road2D1 combine. He’s considered the top running back in Sweden and was previously committed to Western Kentucky.
OL Keon Rohé, FAU commit: One of the top pass protectors in Germany, Rohe has trained with former NFL offensive line coach Paul Alexander. He’s believed to be over 6-foot-6 and was also considering Liberty and Temple.
RB Duncan Brune, Ohio commit: A freaky athlete, Brune’s mother was an olympic swimmer for Germany. He runs track when he’s not playing for the Cologne Crocodiles and has trained with the German National Bobsled Team.
CB Franck Elokan, UMass commit: Elokan has worked on his craft while playing for the Brussels Black Angels. He’s got the ideal size as he has measured over 6-foot at college camps in America.
TE Daniel Evert, Temple commit: Having started playing football when he was just 16 years old, Evert earned an offer from the Owls at a camp in early June. He has shown he can stretch the field for the Nürnberg Rams.
DL Adrian Bekibele, class of 2026: Bekibele worked out for Kirby Smart and the two-time defending national champions in late July and left Athens with an offer from the Bulldogs. He’s 6-foot-3, 290 pounds and plays for RIG Academy in Sweden.
DL Valdin Sone, class of 2027: Sone is a two-way lineman from Sweden that Nebraska has already offered. He appears to have a projectable frame.
TE Joël van Gelder: A native of the Netherlands, van Gelder is a 6-foot-5 tight end that reports FCS offers from both Lafayette and Towson. He camped at South Carolina back in June.
TE Karl Peterson, Lafayette commit: Peterson is a 6-foot-3, 235-pound tight end born in Estonia that can do a standing backflip.
DE Finn Patzker: Patzker is a 6-foot-3 edge rusher for the Nürnberg Rams. He has broken 4.7 in the 40-yard dash.
OL Viktor Asklof: Asklof helped Finland capture silver at the 2023 IFAF European Championships. He works primarily at left tackle, but is viewed as more of an interior projection.
RB Marvellous Imade, class of 2025: Imade put some impressive jump cuts on tape while rushing for just over 1,200 yards in his most recent season with the Düsseldorf Panthers.
OL Daniil Starykh, class of 2025: Starykh 6-foot-4, 290-pound tackle for the Berlin Adler. He camped at Alabama, Florida and FSU back in June.
QB Diego Lliteras Ferraz: One of just two Spanish-born quarterbacks to start in Spain’s import-heavy top league this past season, Lliteras spent a year playing high school football in Illinois.
LB Casey Supinger, class of 2025: A former quarterback out of Germany that has made the transition to the defensive side of the ball.
LB Alexander Kennedy-Chaanhing: A running back-turned-linebacker with plenty of burst, Chaanhing has represented Sweden at the national level.
OL Laurtis Vinther: Hailing from Denmark, Vinther is a power-based interior lineman.
DB Mendhy Doukanse: Doukanse is a lanky defensive back out of France with some bounce.
OL/DL Musa Bajaha: Another member of the Düsseldorf Panthers, Bajaha owns a big frame and can move.
WR Samuel Bhoredjang: Collier calls Bhoedjaqng one of the best route runners in Europe. He’s from the Netherlands.
