The Senior Bowl celebrated its 70th Anniversary on January 26, 2019. Young men came to play. They came to sport their college colors one last time. They came to play as professionals for the first time. Most of them had never played together. They were led by coaches they likely only knew from television. It was one last chance to be seen before the NFL Draft.
What it was About
The game was more than all that. It was about their families who came to be a part of that last college and first pro game. The Senior Bowl was about the fans. They came to cheer on their college heroes who came from near and far. It was about the young aspiring football player being able to see his favorite college player up close. The Senior Bowl is about tradition. The game was for the fathers taking their sons just like their dads took them. It was about, in the words of Coach Jon Gruden, about building relationships
The game gave coaches the opportunity to learn more about players than they could just watching them play. As Coach Gruden shared after the game he was able to learn about the intangibles. Coaches were able to determine how quickly a player could adapt to working with new coaches and teammates. For the Raiders, players moved up and down on their draft board. Some players even fell off the board.
The Game
Played at Ladd Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, Coach Gruden and Coach Kyle Shanahan led the North and South teams. Having worked together for the week prior the teams gelled. Rivals such as Isaiah Buggs from Alabama and Dontavius Russell of worked together. Families cheered on those players from rival teams they had spent seasons cheering against.
Receivers
Receivers were some of the most talked about and impressive players thorough out the week. Deebo Samuel of South Carolina was named as the most outstanding receiver during practice. Samuel only had one reception during the game. The lack of receptions during the game was more likely due to player rotations than any fault of Samuel. Standouts during the game included Andy Isabella of the University of Massachusetts. Isabella led all receivers with seven receptions for 74 yards. Hunter Renfrow from Clemson represented the National Champions well. Renfrow had five receptions for 63 yards including a 35 yard reception from Will Grier of West Virginia.
Quarterbacks
Of the eight quarterbacks playing in the Senior Bowl Daniel Jones of Duke fared the best statistically. Jones did not shine during the practice week. During the game however, Jones showed what he was capable of completing eight of eleven passes for 115 yards. Coach Gruden praised Jones for his mental toughness. Tyree Jackson from Buffalo, performed the best statistically of the eight quarterbacks. Throwing for 165 yards and two touchdowns, Jackson made a name for himself in this game.
Running Backs
The North rushed the ball thirty-two times to the South’s fifteen carries. Tony Pollard of Memphis lead the game in rushing yards with sixty yards on eight carries. For the South Ryquell Armstead of Temple ran for twenty-four yards on seven attempts. Dexter Williams of Notre Dame was the outstanding running back during practice. Williams ran for thirty-nine yards during the game leaving little doubt about his practice honors.
Defense and Special Teams
On the defensive side in addition to the unlikely duo of Buggs and Russell, Nasir Adderley of Delaware stood out. Adderley made the one interception of the game. These players along with Mike Edwards from Kentucky should be on your watchlist. Finally special teams, for this reporter Mitch Wishnowsky of Utah was outstanding. With two fifty-six yard punts Wishnowsky proved himself to be consistent and reliable.
The Senior Bowl Game is a must see game if you have the opportunity. It is affordable enough to bring the whole family without breaking the bank. Players are more accessible than at regular season game. Mobile, Alabama offers many opportunities for visitors including the Exploreum a hands on science museum with an IMAX. There are also historic sites such as Fort Conde. The game offers an opportunity to see college athletes from every conference. The talent is well showcased and led by renowned NFL coaches and their staff. The Senior Bowl staff and their volunteers do an excellent job of providing a great entertainment experience.
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