Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency PublicationSenior Bowl Classic Heads All-Star Game Postseason
Photo - DT Star Lotulelei - Utah
2013 Senior Bowl Week Begins with Weigh-in and Practices
The 2013 Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2013, in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The contest will be nationally-televised by NFL Network. Kickoff is set for 3:00 pm CST.
The Senior Bowl is the nation’s most unique football game and football’s premier pre-draft event, annually featuring the country’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South which are coached by the entire coaching staffs from two National Football League teams.
Week Schedule
Monday
Weigh-In - 9:30 am - 11:30 am cst
Practice Schedule - 2:30-4:40 pm cst
Tuesday – Thursday Practices
9:30 - 11:30 am
2:30 - 4:40 pm
Senior Bowl Game - Saturday - Ladd Peebles Stadium 3 pm
Frank Coyle is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe etc for the past 18 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game.
Senior Bowl Heads All-Star Game Postseason
Photo - DT Star Lotulelei - Utah
Major All-Star Game Schedule
Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game
Jan. 11, Tucson, Ariz.
East-West Shrine
Jan 19, St. Petersburg, Florida
4 pm, NFL Network
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
Jan 19, Carson, California
ESPN time TBA
Senior Bowl Classic
Game - Jan 26, Mobile, Alabama
Practices - Monday thru Thursday
4 pm, NFL Network
Texas vs the Nation
Feb. 2, Allen, Texas
8 pm, Fox Sports
Completed All-Star Games
HBCU Bowl
Nov 30, Baltimore
DIII Senior Classic
Dec 7, Salem, Virginia 7 pm
DII vs NAIA Star game
Dec 15, Myrtle Beach, Fl
FSC Senior Scout Bowl
Dec 15, Myrtle Beach, Fl
Frank Coyle is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe etc for the past 18 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game.
Senior Bowl Unveils First Ever Watch List
SEC leads all conferences with 71 players, 114 schools represented
Mobile, AL. —The Senior Bowl will once again have a wide range of talent to choose from when selecting the top senior college football players for its annual showcase event. The nation’s premier all-star game unveiled its first ever “Watch List” today, highlighting 309 seniors and top NFL draft prospects from 114 different schools to keep an eye on during the 2012 college football season.
The top 100 seniors in the country will be invited to participate in the 2013 Senior Bowl, set for Saturday, January 26th in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Appearing on the Watch List is not a requirement for a player to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
“The Senior Bowl is very pleased to announce our first-ever ‘official’ Watch List,” Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage said. “We want both college and pro football fans to enjoy tracking the players on our list as they begin their journey towards the Senior Bowl and the 2013 NFL Draft. We have included prospects from almost every level of the college game and look forward to monitoring their progress throughout the upcoming season.”
The Southeastern Conference, winners of the last six BCS National Championships, leads all conferences with 71 players on the list. Alabama, Georgia and Nebraska are all tied with the most players on the list with nine a piece. The Big Ten has the second highest amount of players on the Watch List with 46. Among those seniors is 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Montee Ball of Wisconsin. The running back led the nation with 1,923 yards and 33 touchdowns a year ago. Other high profile players featured on the list are USC quarterback Matt Barkley, Utah defensive lineman Star Lotulelei and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o.
“This 2013 draft class has a solid cross-section of quarterbacks, from names like Matt Barkley and Tyler Wilson to other relative unknowns like Alex Carder (Western Michigan) and Zac Dysert (Miami-OH). There also appears to be quality depth at the center and guard spots on offense, along the defensive line (both DT and DE) and at safety on defense,” Savage said.
The Senior Bowl Watch List also includes 29 players from non-FBS schools. The showcase event has a long-standing tradition of featuring smaller school standouts, with seven FCS and Division II players on last year’s roster alone. Elon wide receiver Aaron Mellette, who led the FCS in receptions per game (10.27) and receiving yards per game (149.0) in 2011, is among those smaller school standouts that has caught Savage’s eye.
“I've seen three games on Aaron from last year and he is a legitimate NFL prospect with size and athleticism. Elon plays North Carolina this year and everyone can't wait to see how he performs against a higher level of competition,” Savage said of Mellette.
Invitations for the 2013 Senior Bowl will be begin being extended in the next few weeks and continue throughout the 2012 season. Tickets for the 2013 Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase at the Senior Bowl ticket office (151 Dauphin Street), online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.
2013 Senior Bowl Watch List Breakdown
By Conference
SEC: 71
Big 10: 46
ACC: 43
Pac 12: 31
Big 12: 29
FCS/Div. II: 29
Big East: 15
CUSA: 10
Sun Belt: 11
WAC: 8
MWC: 6
IND: 5
MAC: 5
By Position
QB: 21
OH: 20
WO: 31
OL: 44
TE: 18
FB: 5
DT: 32
DE: 22
DC: 35
DS: 30
ILB: 13
OLB: 22
PK: 8
PT: 6
LS: 2
By School (top 6)
Alabama: 9
Georgia: 9
Nebraska: 9
Arkansas: 8
LSU: 8
Ohio State: 8
For the 2013 Senior Bowl Player Watch List go to www.seniorbowl.com
About the Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl is college football’s premier senior showcase event, annually featuring the nation’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams coached by NFL coaching staffs. Senior Bowl practices and game week festivities are attended by more than 800 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from all 32 National Football League teams, making Mobile and the Senior Bowl the week-long host to a one-of-a-kind NFL Coaches Convention. For more information on the 2013 Senior Bowl please visit the bowl’s website at www.seniorbowl.com.
North Tops South Behind Isaiah Pead's Strong Performance - Senior Bowl 2012
Photo - RB Isaiah Pead - Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 Senior Bowl, Saturday after totaling 129 all-purpose yards.
“A win caps off the week," Pead said. "You want to go in and practice hard, interview well and meet fans, but going away with a loss – as a competitor – I wouldn’t like that. We’re all out here competing and for the North side to come in and get a win caps off everything. I got everything I wanted out of this week. I got good work done at practice and I got a win for this game."
It was a record-setting day for the reigning Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Pead surpassed J.D. Hill of Arizona State as the Senior Bowl’s all-time leader in punt return yardage with 98 on the day. The previous record of 73 had stood since 1971. He also added 31 rushing yards. Pead raised a few eveybrows when he measured in at just under 5'10" and 193 lbs. at the Monday morning weighti-in. He played at over 200 lbs over the 2011 season, but he was noticeably quicker at the Senior Bowl practices and during the game. He also showed big play ability as a punt returner after only marginal talent in that role as a collegian.
Pead adds to his list of accolades which include: 2011 Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Big East running back and 2011 Liberty Bowl MVP. He led the conference with 1,259 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs.
Joining Pead in the post-game awards ceremony was his teammate this week, Utah St linebacker Bobby Wagner. Wagner was named the Most Outstanding Player on the North after leading the squad with seven total tackles, including one tackle for loss, one interception and one pass breakup. “It’s a pleasure. Just to be out here with everybody and to be looked at as one of the best players on the field, it’s a great thing for a small school guy,” Wagner said.
Despite the North’s victory, the South did enjoy some highlights Saturday as Joe Adams earned Most Outstanding Player of the South squad with 133 receiving yards on eight catches. “It feels good because there are so many great players on the South team and to be chosen as a standout is definitely a blessing only from God,” Adams said.
It was Adams’ fumble however that led to the game’s first points, a 27-yard field goal by Purdue’s Carson Wiggs. The second quarter belonged to the North as they outscored their opponent 10-3, thanks to an 8-yard scoring strike from Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson to Cal’s Marvin Jones and another Wiggs field goal—this time from 32 yards out. Bullock added his second field goal of the day in the second quarter too, but the South went into the locker room down 13-6.
Michigan St QB Kirk Cousins continued the North’s offensive success in the second half, hitting Arizona St receiver Gerell Robinson over the middle for a 41-yard touchdown to give the North a 20-6 lead. The South appeared to have life in the early going of the fourth quarter on Arizona QBNick Foles’ 20-yard touchdown toss to his former teammate in Tucson, Juron Criner, but Wiggs’ third field goal of the day—a 28-yarder—was all the North needed to hang on for the win.
The South still leads the all-time series with the North 30-27-3. The win improved the Minnesota Vikings’ coaching staff to 2-0 all-time in Senior Bowls, while the Washington Redskins fell to 3-4.
Frank Coyle is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe etc for the past 18 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.
Senior Bowl Players – Practices
Photo - QB Brandon Weeden - Oklahoma St
For Senior Bowl Players / Roster go www.Seniorbowl.com The Official site for the Senior Bowl - ‘The Premier All-star Classic of College Football’
Senior Bowl Practices
Thursday’s North morning practice was moved inside due to rain.
QBs Nick Foles of Arizona and Ryan Lindlay of San Diego St displayed strong arms over the week. They struggled with accuracy at times. They need good performances in the game Saturday to elevate their stock. Oklahoma St QB Brandon Weeden showed a very good arm and a very accurate touch. He took command of the offense quickly and is a prospect who helped his cause significantly over the practices. With a strong game performance, he may be able to overcome his one liability his age. A baseball career postponed his college football career and he is currently 28 years old.
Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson faced the tape on Monday and came in at just 5’10 5/8” that is too short for an NFL QB. He impressed with his mobility and accuracy on the move. He made a quick command of the offense, though his pocket passing was marginal with limited vision and passing lanes. QB Kellen Moore of Boise St has shown nice accuracy, though marginal arm strength. Both Wilson and Moore display very good intangibles and understanding of their offense. They need good performances in the game to elevate their stock and show they can play the position at the next level.
Draft Insiders.com will have an extensive Senior Bowl and East-West report in early February Newsletter
Arizona WR Juron Criner has impressed in passing drills, showing excellent hands and good ball skills. He has moved up the charts significantly. WR T.J. Graham of NC St. came in at over 5' 11 and 182 lbs. He was quick off the line and had a burst to get by corners in the vertical game. He has good speed and a big NFL Combine could elevate him further. Arkansas WR Jo Adams was also very fast and quick while showing sure hands. Texas A&M’s Jeff Fuller has had a tough week catching the ball and separating in coverage. He needs a good performance in the game to recover some lost ground. California WR Marvin Jones was impressive in passing drills showing good movement skills and body control. WR Brian Quick of Appalachian St. has fit right in to a bigger stage. He moves fluidly and snatches the ball naturally and uses his great size well.
DE Quinton Coples of North Carolina combines rare triangle numbers. He showed good power and leverage on the edge. He lacks a great initial burst, but he gets penetration on power and his ability to separate when he uses sound technique. South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram is a versatile positional fit for both front sevens. He comes in at under 6’2” and 31” arm length. He shows very good leverage and power to separate with the instincts to get to the ball. DTs Kendall Reyes of UConn and DT Kheeston Randall of Texas flashed quickness and power from the inside. Reyes was very quick and gained consistent interior penetration. Washington DT Alameda Ta’amu was an inside force and held the point well, showing excellent lower body power. Alabama LB Courtney Upshaw is one of the top OLB prospects who came in at 273 lbs. He fits both the ILB and OLB spot in a 3-4 scheme and holds the point of attack very well.
North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins has been very impressive in coverage. He came in just under 5’10” and a solid 191 lbs. He is very strong and aggressive that allows him to jam consistently at the line. He broke up a number of passes showing the ability to open his hips and run with receivers. He did get beat deep a few times being overly aggressive. CBs Dwight Bentley of Louisiana-Lafayette, Brandon Boykin of Georgia and Alfonzo Dennard of Nebraska has made strong showings in passing drills. Bentley is a smallish quick defender with excellent hips to run stride for stride with receivers. He has the ball skills to help a club in multiple sets. Boykin displayed a quick burst on the ball and oval good recognition skills. He matches up well and plays the ball nicely in coverage. Dennard shows a physical game in both run support and coverage. He has active hands and can push receivers off their route. Boston College CB Donnie Fletcher is a big agile corner who was physical at the line and capable of matchup up with bigger receivers. He has long arms to battle for the ball with good recognition skills. CB Josh Norman - 6'2" / 190 lbs. of Coastal Carolina was added to the game after a strong showing at the East-West game. He has excellent size with the ability to recognize and close on the ball. He plays the ball well relying on his long arms and fine leaping to deflect passes.
Frank Coyle is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe etc for the past 18 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.
Senior Bowl Week is Underway!.
Mobile, AL. - Senior Bowl Week 2012 is off and running with the arrival of the top senior college football players this weekend. Senior Bowl players underwent physicals, filled out questionnaires and then met with their respective coaching staffs. The Minnesota Vikings will be coaching the North squad this week, while the Washington Redskins will head up the South.
While the day was filled with anticipation and excitement for many of the nation’s top NFL draft prospects, a few Senior Bowlers had mixed emotions on Sunday. With the passing of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno dominating the news, former Nittany Lions Jack Crawford and D’Anton Lynn met with the media on Sunday to share their thoughts on the legendary coach.
The first official rosters were announced on Sunday. Among the new additions were Cincinnati defensive lineman Derek Wolfe, California wide receiver Marvin Jones and Texas A&M defensive lineman Tony Jerod-Eddie. Jerod-Eddie will line up alongside the likes of North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples on the South defensive line this week. Coples addressed the media Sunday at a kickoff press conference.
“Just go out and have fun,” Coples said. “It’s set up to be a fun bowl and have a great experience, and at the same time, it’s a business and you have to approach it as a business. But most important, you just have to go out and have fun and compete with the most elite college athletes in America.”
Senior Bowl Week continues today with the National Scouting Weigh-In in the morning followed by the first practice sessions of the week. Both teams will hit the field at 2:45pm (CT) Monday, with the South working out at Fairhope Municipal Stadium and the North practicing at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. All practices are free and open to the public.
Tickets for the 2012 Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase at the Senior Bowl ticket office (151 Dauphin Street), online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.
About the Senior Bowl.
The Senior Bowl is college football’s premier senior showcase event, annually featuring the nation’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams coached by NFL coaching staffs. Senior Bowl practices and game week festivities are attended by more than 800 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from all 32 National Football League teams, making Mobile and the Senior Bowl the week-long host to a one-of-a-kind NFL Coaches Convention. For more information on the 2012 Senior Bowl please visit the bowl’s website at www.seniorbowl.com.
Frank Coyle is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe etc for the past 18 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.
