Small-College Prospects Shine at the Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl is widely regarded as the premier postseason college all-star game for aspiring NFL Draft prospects. It serves as a platform for these players to showcase their skills and abilities in front of scouts and personnel decision-makers from all 32 NFL teams. While the Senior Bowl attracts top talent from major college football…
The Senior Bowl is widely regarded as the premier postseason college all-star game for aspiring NFL Draft prospects. It serves as a platform for these players to showcase their skills and abilities in front of scouts and personnel decision-makers from all 32 NFL teams. While the Senior Bowl attracts top talent from major college football programs, it also provides a unique opportunity for small college prospects to prove themselves against some of the best competition in the nation.
This year, the number of small-college prospects at the Senior Bowl may be lower than usual due to various factors such as players moving up to FBS programs, entering the transfer portal, or opting for another year of eligibility. However, there were still several talented players from small-college programs who made their way to Mobile, Alabama, and left a lasting impression during the week of padded practices.
Let’s take a closer look at five standout small-college prospects and how they fared at the Senior Bowl:
1. RB Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State (National Team Roster)
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, Davis exhibited the vision, footwork, and burst that he displayed on film against top-tier competition. His ability to find creases 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 are expected to be on full display during the actual game.
2. RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire (National Team Roster)
At 5 feet 9 inches and 210 pounds, Laube entered the Senior Bowl with a lot of buzz and lived up to the expectations. He showcased his versatility as a receiver, excelling as a route-runner and displaying great hands. Laube’s ability to contribute as a versatile offensive weapon makes him an enticing prospect for NFL teams.
3. CB Willie Drew, Virginia State (National Team Roster)
Making the jump from Division II to competing against high-level Power 5 athletes is always a challenge, but Drew rose to the occasion. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 191 pounds, he competed well throughout the week, learning from his mistakes and improving with each rep. Drew’s physical attributes and potential upside as a professional impressed scouts in attendance.
4. WR Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State (American Team Roster)
Flournoy, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 200 pounds, had a smooth and impressive week in Mobile. His ability to consistently win at the line of scrimmage and showcase his nuance in route-running caught the attention of many. Flournoy’s strong hands, measured at 10 inches, translated well to the field as he consistently made difficult catches, making him a challenging matchup for defensive backs.
5. EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian (American Team Roster)
Hunt, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound pass-rusher, was known for his dominance in the FCS. Throughout the week, he showcased his athleticism, twitch, and a diverse set of pass-rushing moves. As the week progressed, Hunt’s comfort level increased, culminating in an outstanding performance during the 1-on-1 periods on Thursday. His combination of skills and potential make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
In conclusion, the Senior Bowl provides a valuable opportunity for small-college prospects to prove themselves against top competition and catch the attention of NFL scouts and decision-makers. This year’s group of small-college prospects showcased their skills and left a lasting impression. As the NFL Draft approaches, these players have undoubtedly increased their chances of making it to the next level.