Freymond Eyes NFL Future on Shrine Bowl Watchlist
Western Colorado Star Earns National Recognition
Western Colorado defensive end Ricky Freymond has been named to the prestigious 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watchlist, signaling significant NFL draft potential for the standout player.
A Season of Dominance Recognized
Freymond, a two-time All-American, is among a select group of NCAA Division II players to make the initial watchlist. This recognition follows a dominant 2024 season where he led Division II in tackles for loss with 24.5 and ranked second in sacks with 12.0.
His performance was instrumental in Western Colorado’s historic 11-win season and their first playoff victory since transitioning to NCAA Division II status in 1992. Freymond‘s accolades include first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, AFCA, Don Hansen, and Walter Camp.
Path to the Pros
The East-West Shrine Bowl, scheduled for January 27, 2026, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, provides a crucial platform for collegiate seniors to showcase their abilities to NFL scouts and coaches. The game famously features coaching staffs from NFL teams not participating in the postseason.
“An invitation to take part in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the best senior collegiate football all-stars in the country to showcase their talents in front of top representatives of NFL teams.”
— East-West Shrine Bowl Officials
The Shrine Bowl boasts an impressive alumni list, including NFL stars like Tom Brady, Darren Waller, and John Elway. A strong showing in the game can significantly boost a player’s draft stock.
Academic Excellence Fuels Athletic Prowess
Beyond his on-field achievements, Freymond has also excelled in the classroom. He was named to the RMAC All-Academic first team and earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors. His academic success culminated in being voted a CSC DII Football Academic All-American®.
As Western Colorado’s career sack leader with 24.5 sacks, Freymond has set his sights on continued success. The Mountaineers kick off their 2025 season at home against West Texas A&M on August 28.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is a key event in the draft preparation calendar. In 2024, nearly 70 participants from the Shrine Bowl signed with NFL teams, highlighting its importance in bridging the gap between college and professional football. Shrine Bowl 2024 Participants
