Although the actual Senior Bowl game will take place on Saturday, the crux of Senior Bowl week, aka The Practices, is in the books. Since I traveled on Thursday, I didn't see much of the last day, so I figured I'd recap the week with winners at each position from the week. So, let's start at the top…
Quarterback - Illinois QB Luke Altmyer - Although Arkansas QB Taylen Green made the most WOW plays, Altmyer threw the ball more consistently and accurately than any other quarterback in Mobile. I didn't think the group of QBs was outstanding, but Altmyer certainly had my attention.
Running back - Penn State RB Kaytron Allen - This one could've gone to any number of backs on hand. I thought the running back group was as good as last year's group and I said that was the best group I'd seen in Mobile in 13 years. Allen ran with some serious juice in team drills. His physicality stood out as well.
Wide receiver - John Carroll WR Tyren Montgomery - it was clear on day one that he was the cream of the crop at the receiver position. Trade helmets with an LSU or Wisconsin player and no one would bat an eye. He's sudden. He's fast. He has ball tracking skills. He's stout and tough. I was seriously impressed that a DIII pass catcher dominated the way that he did.
Tight end - Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher - I thought the tight ends were all fabulous. Houston's Tanner Koziol had a solid week and NC State's Justin Joly has a beach body build. But, Boerkircher is an all-around TE prospect who can play all three TE spots, soft hands and competence in the run blocking game. His "Moss'd" catch in the one-on-one competition drill to end Wednesday's practice will stay with me for a while. That was unreal.
Offensive lineman - Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor - His story is incredible. He never played high school football, but picked up the sport at East LA Junior College and excelled. He parlayed that into three quality years at Arizona State and a trip to the Senior Bowl. He has a body that defies description for an offensive tackle and his play lived up to the hype he was getting heading into Senior Bowl week. The second day was his best. He just toyed with edge rushers in one-on-ones and hammered dudes in the run game during team drills.
Defensive lineman - Penn State DT Zane Durant - The Texans interior defensive line game wreckers have proven that interior defensive linemen don't have to be 6-4, 320 lb uber-studs to be ultra-successful. Durant is undersized from a height/weight perspective, but he's got a trunk and legs that give him super explosiveness and quickness off the snap. He was a fun watch all week long.
Linebacker - Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez - I thought the linebackers had a ton of successful moments and this was close, but Rodriguez was the most consistent and popped more than any other. He concluded his college career as he should have with impressive all-around play.
Safety - TCU S Bud Clark - The Horned Frog did a lot of talking…but for good reason. He had a pick on day three where he flew out of nowhere to make a pick on the sideline, sprinting from the middle of the field. He had numerous pass breakups on day two and told all who would listen "I DO THAT SH--" He did…all week.
Cornerback - Tennessee CB Colton Hood - He didn't work out on Thursday but he made his impression on the first two days. I've never seen a CB cover over routes in man coverage as well as Hood did throughout the week. I mentioned in yesterday's Hits that he reminded me of a young Tre'Davious White. Similar size. Similar speed. Similar game. I could see him in the first round in April.
The best overall position group was the defensive linemen. Durant was phenomenal, but the DEPTH of quality, HIGH quality edge rushers, in particular, was super impressive. Overall, it was a great week seeing the next NFL stars up close in person. It's on to the Combine next. Can't WAIT!
