Evaluating Small-College Prospects at the Senior Bowl 2024

The Senior Bowl is widely regarded as the premier postseason college all-star game, attracting top college football players who aspire to showcase their skills once their playing careers are over. This event offers a unique opportunity for potential NFL Draft prospects to compete against other elite draft hopefuls in front of representatives from every NFL team. While the Senior Bowl typically features players from larger college programs, it also provides a platform for small-college prospects (FCS-NAIA) to demonstrate their abilities on a grand stage against some of the best competition they will face in their careers.

Although the number of small-college prospects at this year’s Senior Bowl was relatively low, there were still several talented players from these programs who made their way to Mobile, Alabama. Let’s take a closer look at five small-college prospects and how they performed during the week of padded practices at the Senior Bowl.

Isaiah Davis, a running back from South Dakota State, stood out with his exceptional vision, footwork, and burst during the Senior Bowl practices. His ability to find openings within the line of scrimmage and make subtle moves in tight spaces to gain extra yards was particularly impressive. Davis’s patience and knack for hitting home runs make him a promising player to watch in the actual game.

Another standout running back was Laube from an undisclosed small-college program. Despite his smaller stature (5-foot-9, 210 pounds), Laube impressed with his versatility as a receiver. His route-running skills and reliable hands showcased his potential as a valuable offensive weapon for an NFL team.

Willie Drew, a cornerback from Virginia State, faced the challenge of transitioning from Division II to competing against high-level Power 5 athletes. However, Drew proved himself by consistently improving throughout the week. He demonstrated resilience, learning from his mistakes and adapting to different receivers. Physically, he measured up well against his peers, leaving scouts intrigued by his potential upside as a professional player.

Ryan Flournoy, a wide receiver from Southeast Missouri State, had a smooth and impressive week at the Senior Bowl. Flournoy’s ability to consistently win at the line of scrimmage and use his size advantage (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) to outmaneuver defenders caught the attention of onlookers. His strong hands and ability to make difficult catches made him a challenging matchup for defensive backs.

Jalyx Hunt, an edge rusher from Houston Christian, was known for his prowess as a pass-rusher in the FCS. Throughout the week, Hunt’s comfort and performance noticeably improved. His athleticism, quickness, and diverse range of pass-rushing moves were on full display during the 1-on-1 drills. Hunt’s growth throughout the week culminated in an outstanding performance on Thursday, solidifying his potential as an impact player at the professional level.

In conclusion, the Senior Bowl not only provides an invaluable opportunity for players from larger college programs but also serves as a platform for small-college prospects to shine. Despite the lower number of small-college participants this year, the five prospects mentioned above demonstrated their skills, making a strong case for themselves in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers. Their performances at the Senior Bowl will undoubtedly contribute to their draft stock and future professional careers.