02/04/12 - Michael Smith, rSr/2012, Utah State, 5-08, 207 (DS#59 RB) Utah State’s Michael Smith ran for 124 yards and one touchdown to lead the North to a 24-19 victory over the South in the Players All-Star Classic at War Memorial Stadium. Smith’s 80-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the North at 17-16 lead. “I’m just grateful that was I was out here for this,” Smith said. “There’s not always an opportunity, and I was glad I got mine. “Coaches kept telling us to stretch (the play) outside a couple more yards the tight end, and if they over play, just cut back and go. That happened, and I just used my speed to get to the end zone.” Smith has 12 carries and returned four kickoffs for 105 yards. “There’s a lot of new plays and a few scouts here to see what we can do,” Smith said. “All we want to do is try and move our stock up, no matter if it’s the NFL or CFL or anywhere. We’ll take the opportunity if we can.” LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson led the South on two scoring drive, one he capped with a 7-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The North trimmed the margin to 13-10 at halftime on a 17-yard pass from Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Matt Blanchard to Buffalo’s Marcus Rivers with 31 seconds left in the half. University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Phillip Payne, who caught five passes for 110 yards, grabbed a 31-yard touchdown pass from Boston College’s Dominique Davis. Norwich University kicker Long Ding’s made four field goals for the South. - AP Sports
02/03/12 - Chris Sanders, Fr/2015, Georgia, 6-0, 180 (DS#999 CB) Three freshmen Georgia football players this season have been dismissed from the team by coach Mark Richt for undisclosed violations. The three are cornerback Nick Marshall, defensive back Chris Sanders and receiver Sanford Seay. Richt would not disclose what team rules were broken, saying only that "mistakes were made and part of our job is helping them learn from mistakes." He says he will assist the three in transferring to other schools. Sanders had two tackles in three games. Marshall had five tackles in 13 games, mostly on special teams. Seay was held out as a redshirt. - AP Sports
02/02/12 - Jake Heaps, rSo/2015, Kansas, 6-1, 200 (DS#999 QB) Two things became abundantly clear when Charlie Weis introduced his first recruiting class at Kansas: He’ll go anywhere to reel in talent, and he wants to eat well when he gets there. The new coach of the Jayhawks unveiled his first recruiting class Wednesday, which he pulled together in barely two months on the job. It includes high-profile transfers Dayne Crist, Jake Heaps and Justin McCay, along with eight junior college transfers Weis hopes can help immediately. Heaps will have to sit out next season after transferring from BYU, where he set freshman records for a quarterback after a standout prep career. McCay would also have to sit out after he transferred from Oklahoma, though he’s appealing to the NCAA on grounds of personal hardship. Weis said he’s also holding a couple more scholarships for fifth-year transfers like Crist who are planning to graduate in May. Those will be announced later. “Fifth-year transfers, I’m going to be open to them every year, and I’ll tell you why: There’s very little risk,” he said. “For every one of these fifth years I bring in, they’re also going out, so they’re not costing me a potential recruit.” Still, Weis expects a more traditional recruiting class next year. - AP Sports
01/31/12 - Marcus Coker, So/2014, Stony Brook, 6-0, 230 (DS#6 RB) Former Iowa running back Marcus Coker has found a new home, announcing on Monday that he had transferred to Stony Brook of the Big South Conference on the FCS level. “I’m very grateful to coach [Chuck]Priore and Stony Brook University for this opportunity,” Coker said in a statement. “I’ve become aware of Stony Brook’s growing football program and outstanding academics. I’m excited for spring practice and the chance to help my teammates win a fourth straight Big South championship.” Coker led Iowa in rushing last season, gaining 1,384 yards on the ground and scoring 15 touchdowns for the Hawkeyes. He was suspended for the team's appearance in the Insight Bowl for violating the school's Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. Coker was being investigated for sexual assault after a woman claimed Coker assaulted her in late October. No charges were ever filed against Coker by the woman. Stony Brook head coach Chuck Priore told Newsday that he did "due diligence" in researching Coker's family and personal background and that he felt assured Coker would be a "positive role model" at Stony Brook. - Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports
01/29/12 - Quinton Coples, Sr/2012, North Carolina, 6-6, 281 (DS#1 DE) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: Undeniably the most talented player in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, Coples continued his dominant week of practice with an MVP-caliber performance in the game. Coples, a shade under 6-6 and 281 pounds, was a consistent threat off the edge and used his long arms and obvious upper body strength to rag-doll pass blockers on his way to the quarterback. Perhaps the most impressive play of the game from Coples, however, came as a run defender. He shook off a block from Iowa State right tackle Kelechi Osemele and with one arm stopped the momentum of running back Isaiah Pead and threw him to the ground for a two-yard loss on 3rd and goal. If Coples played with the same intensity throughout his senior season that he did throughout the week in Mobile, he might have been the easy choice as the top defensive prospect in the 2012 draft. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Isaiah Pead, Sr/2012, Cincinnati, 5-10, 193 (DS#6 RB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati: The game's MVP was easily the most explosive running back in this. He demonstrated his unique straight-line speed and agility by accelerating through holes and making defenders miss as a running back and punt returner. Despite taking on return duties late in his senior season, Pead showed good vision and courage in attacking seams as he averaged 49 yards on the two opportunities. He demonstrated not only athleticism, but also the willingness to cut back inside against the grain and finish his runs. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Mike Adams, Sr/2012, Ohio State, 6-7, 323 (DS#4 OT) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State: Despite playing with a little less consistency that scouts would like, the 6-7, 323 pound Adams impressed throughout the week of practice with his ability to maintain squarely in front of speed rushers and play with a reliable base against bull rushes. Adams played with much better consistency Saturday, controlling his opponent throughout the contest and distancing himself as the elite offensive line prospect in the Senior Bowl. Adams surrendered a sack in the 3rd quarter to Alabama's Courtney Upshaw but held up well initially to my top-rated senior prospect and only allowed the coverage sack on Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson after protecting for several seconds. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Bobby Wagner, Sr/2012, Utah State, 6-0, 241 (DS#5 OLB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: Bobby Wagner, ILB, Utah State: Like Martin, Wagner initially caught the attention of NFL scouts by showcasing a powerful build on his 6-0, 241 pound frame during Monday's weigh-in. With defenders asked not to take ball-carriers to the ground throughout the week of practice, Wagner wasn't able to wow scouts with what he does best -- tackle -- until the game. He certainly did on Saturday, anticipating and closing quickly on ball-carriers and then wrapping up cleanly to tie with South Carolina safety Antonio Allen to lead the game with seven tackles. Wagner also proved his playmaking ability, recording a tackle for loss and an interception of Weeden in the first quarter. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Mike Martin, Sr/2012, Michigan, 6-1, 307 (DS#10 DT) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State: While Martin wasn't able to break free for the splashy plays that his North teammate Pead did, it was the former Bronco running back who was the best running back in Mobile throughout the week of practice and he followed that up with an impressive game. Martin showed good burst to and through the hole, as well as the vision and acceleration to gain yardage in chunks as a running back and kick returner. Having impressed scouts with his obvious dedication to the weight room by sporting a chiseled physique during Monday's weigh-in, Martin showcased that his attention to details isn't just limited to lifting weights. He provided excellent effort blocking downfield on a 41-yard touchdown catch by Robinson. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Kirk Cousins, rSr/2012, Michigan State, 6-2, 209 (DS#5 QB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: Just as he was throughout the week of practice, Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, for the North, was the most impressive quarterback in the game. He completed only five of 11 passes overall, with a touchdown and an interception. However, that one touchdown pass, a 41-yarder to Arizona State's Gerrell Robinson with 11:44 left in the third quarter, gave the North a 23-13 lead and enough cushion to hold on for a victory. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Joe Adams, Sr/2012, Arkansas, 5-11, 174 (DS#13 WR) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: As usual, the quarterbacks generated most of the hype throughout the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. But during the game Saturday it was their receivers who stole the spotlight as the North defeated the South, 23-13. Arkansas wide receiver Joe Adams shrugged off a fumble in the first quarter to catch six passes for 116 yards for the South, demonstrating the elusiveness and pure speed that helped him return four punts for touchdowns this season, earning the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year award. For his efforts Adams was named the Senior Bowl's "Outstanding Player" for the South squad. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Juron Criner, Sr/2012, Arizona, 6-2, 220 (DS#9 WR) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: As usual, the quarterbacks generated most of the hype throughout the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. But during the game Saturday it was their receivers who stole the spotlight as the North defeated the South, 23-13. Arizona's Juron Criner, also of the South, was quiet early in the game but connected with college teammate, quarterback Nick Foles, to the tune of four catches for 50 yards and the South's only touchdown, a 20-yarder with 12:55 left in the game. Criner finished with six catches for 77 yards. Those receivers managed to stand out despite lackluster play by the quarterbacks. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/29/12 - Brandon Weeden, rSr/2012, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 219 (DS#4 QB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL STANDOUTS: Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, the most consistent of the South team's quarterbacks throughout the practice week was the worst of the six passers Saturday, completing nearly as many passes to the defense (two interceptions) as he did to South receivers (five completions) for just 56 yards. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/28/12 - Isaiah Pead, Sr/2012, Cincinnati, 5-10, 193 (DS#6 RB) Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins and Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson threw touchdown passes to lead the North to a 23-13 victory over the South in the Senior Bowl on Saturday. Purdue kicker Carson Wiggs put it away with his third short field goal, a 28-yarder with 4:11 left in the showcase for senior NFL prospects. Boise State’s Kellen Moore led that clinching 13-play drive that consumed 8:36 with the help of a running clock. It snuffed out a spark provided by South quarterback Nick Foles of Arizona, who started his career with Cousins at Michigan State. Foles had gotten the South into the end zone by firing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Arizona teammate Juron Criner with 12:55 left in the game. It was an up-and-down day for a crew of quarterbacks with sparkling college credentials, with a combined five interceptions. - AP Sports
01/27/12 - Dwight Bentley, Sr/2012, Louisiana-Lafayette, 5-10, 176 (DS#16 CB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL RISERS: Dwight Bentley, CB, La.-Lafayette: Although he was a late injury replacement, Bentley had a strong performance during Senior Bowl practices and it could be argued he helped himself in the eyes of scouts more than any player in Mobile. He is a fluid athlete with quick, explosive footwork to redirect smoothly in his transition and look natural in his backpedal. Bentley is a tad undersized with a lean, wiry build at 5-10 and 176 pounds, but he stayed physical all week, competing with bigger, stronger receivers. He is obviously most comfortable in off-coverage where he can use his athleticism to react to the play, but that didn't stop him from putting his hands on receivers just enough to keep them from separating. Bentley has solid ballskills with a knack for using his speed to return interceptions for positive gains -- seven career interceptions, three returned for scores, averaging 28.3 yards per interception return. Bentley was thought to be a mid-round pick based on his natural athleticism, but he looked much more polished than expected during practices and could sneak into the top-75 picks. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/27/12 - Lavonte David, Sr/2012, Nebraska, 6-1, 225 (DS#4 OLB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL RISERS: Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska: At only 6-0, 225 pounds and with a maxed-out frame, Lavonte David doesn't necessarily look like a prototypical first-round linebacker, but his play says otherwise. He flies around the field with controlled aggression, looking natural bursting in any direction with very good first-step quickness. David doesn't have ideal strength to tear through blocks, but where he separates himself from the pack is his ability to find the ball and finish with a competitive drive. Also rare is his ability in reverse with smooth hip action and fluid footwork to drop and cover. David was a tackling machine in Lincoln with 285 tackles the past two seasons for the Huskers and displayed a passion for the game of football that carried over to Senior Bowl practice. There are questions about where he will fit at the next level, maybe as a weak-side linebacker in a Tampa Two scheme or possibly even at strong safety. But he confirmed this week, there is no question about his overall ability. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/27/12 - Shea McClellin, rSr/2012, Boise State, 6-3, 248 (DS#9 OLB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL RISERS: Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State: The Boise State product didn't receive nearly the attention of his college teammates such as Kellen Moore or Doug Martin, but don't be surprised if Shea McClellin ends up being the top Bronco drafted in April. He is an intense player with the relentless nature that NFL teams love to see in defensive players. But perhaps, McClellin's best attribute is something that can't be measured, but rather something that shows up on film and also this week on the practice field - his versatility. At Boise State, he played a multitude of positions, lining up at defensive end, linebacker and a hybrid version of several front-seven spots. However, this week coaches kept McClellin predominantly at strongside linebacker where he looked as natural as any other player on the team, showing quick feet and good eyes. He will be most effective at the next level moved around by a creative defensive coordinator, utilizing his impressive effort and playing speed. McClellin isn't flashy, but he simply makes plays on the football field wherever he's asked to play. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/27/12 - Janoris Jenkins, Sr/2012, North Alabama, 5-10, 191 (DS#3 CB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL RISERS: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: One could make an argument that the strongest position group at this year's Senior Bowl was cornerback. And the cream of the crop among the cover guys is a small-school guy in a roundabout way. Jenkins was a standout cornerback at Florida before he was dismissed by the Gators for several off-field issues and transferred to North Alabama, an FCS school, in 2011. This week, scouts were anxious to see him lined up against top competition once again and Jenkins didn't disappoint. He showcased light feet with swivel hips to stay fluid in his transition and easily turn and run downfield with receivers. Jenkins also displayed explosive closing burst with impeccable timing to plant, drive and blow up the play, separating ball from receiver. Obviously there are several questions regarding Jenkins' character, which will ultimately affect his draft stock. However based on pure talent and football ability alone, Jenkins is a top-10 prospect and should be the top senior cornerback off the board. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/27/12 - Marvin Jones, Sr/2012, California, 6-2, 198 (DS#17 WR) 2012 SENIOR BOWL RISERS: Marvin Jones, WR, California: A late addition to the Senior Bowl roster, Jones certainly made the most of his unexpected opportunity, standing out as the top wideout on the North squad. He used his combination of short-area burst and footwork to separate from defensive backs in one-on-one drills, looking precise as a route runner. Jones looks maxed out in terms of bulk on his narrow frame, but he had a better than expected weigh-in at 6-2, 198 pounds with 10-inch hands. He got himself in trouble when he tried to get physical with defensive backs in coverage, but he looks like an intriuging slot player who could excel in space. At Cal, Jones played second fiddle at wideout opposite sophomore first-team All-Pac-12 performer Keenan Allen. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/27/12 - Dwight Jones, Sr/2012, North Carolina, 6-3, 226 (DS#10 WR) 2012 SENIOR BOWL FALLERS: Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina: With Baylor's Kendall Wright, Notre Dame's Michael Floyd and Wisconsin's Nick Toon pulling out of the Senior Bowl due to injury, the distinction of top senior wideout at the Senior Bowl was expected to go to Dwight Jones out of North Carolina. However, he didn't seize the opportunity and looked extremely ordinary and inconsistent this week. For a player with an imposing frame (6-3, 226 pounds with almost 34-inch arms), Jones struggled to make contested catches in tight windows and was routinely out-muscled by defensive backs who appeared to "want it" more. For a player who won't wow anyone with his speed or quickness, Jones better catch the football if he hopes to make a living at the next level, but he would often fight the ball in practice and showed little of the playmaking ability he flashed at North Carolina. Jones has obvious upside, but after an uninspiring performance this week, scouts are departing Mobile wondering if he's a player who will ever reach his full potential. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/27/12 - Zebrie Sanders, Sr/2012, Florida State, 6-6, 308 (DS#5 OT) 2012 SENIOR BOWL FALLERS: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State: After Florida State left tackle Andrew Datko went down with a season-ending injury, Zebrie Sanders moved from right tackle to the left side and really had a strong second half of 2011, looking more natural at left tackle. However this week in practice, Sanders lined up mostly at right tackle and really struggled to hold up against rushers in one-on-one drills. His lack of lower body anchor showed up against bull rushers and his undisciplined technique in space forced him to overextend and bend over at the waist, ending up on the ground. Sanders is an impressive athlete for his size (6-5 1/2, 308 pounds with 34 1/2-inch arms and 11-inch hands), but needs extensive work on his fundamentals before he's ready to contribute on a pro offensive line. He had a chance to emerge as the top tackle in the senior class, securing a slot in the first round. However after a poor week, Sanders looks more like a second-round development prospect, similar to former Southern Cal tackle Charles Brown, a second-round pick of the Saints. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/27/12 - Alfonzo Dennard, Sr/2012, Nebraska, 5-10, 203 (DS#4 CB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL FALLERS: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Dennard was thought to be the top senior cornerback and possible top-20 pick prior to the Senior Bowl. However, he had a very inconsistent week of practice and will need to do some serious damage control at the combine and his pro day in order to secure a draft selection in the top 40 picks. Granted, he was asked to play a lot of traditional, off-coverage in practice, allowing a cushion which doesn't showcase his physical strengths as a defensive back. Dennard is more of a short-area player who can be aggressive at the line of scrimmage to reroute receivers and stay in their hip pocket. He has very good ballskills with the focus and vertical ability to get his hands on the ball and knock down passes, but he doesn't have the elite long-speed to make up for a false step. For some teams, Dennard showed this week that he might not be a fit with what they ask their corners to do. However, many teams value physical press corners who win at the line of scrimmage and Dennard is that type of defensive back. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/26/12 - Dwight Bentley, Sr/2012, Louisiana-Lafayette, 5-10, 176 (DS#16 CB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL THURSDAY: Perhaps the biggest riser among senior cornerbacks is Dwight Bentley out of Louisiana-Lafayette. He has a lean, wiry build at 5-10 and 176 pounds, but has hasn't backed down at all, staying physical and competing with bigger, stronger receivers. Bentley is obviously most comfortable playing in off-coverage where he can rely on his athleticism, but that hasn't stopped him from putting his hands on receivers just enough keep them from separating. After an inconsistent senior campaign, Bentley needed a strong week here and he has exceeded expectations so far. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/26/12 - Lavonte David, Sr/2012, Nebraska, 6-1, 225 (DS#4 OLB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL THURSDAY: LB Lavonte David, Nebraska: One of the more impressive players so far this week has been Lavonte David, the tackling machine from Lincoln. However where he has been most impressive is his drops, showing fluid hips and above average footwork for a linebacker when asked to turn and run. David isn't the most physically imposing at 6-0 1/2" and 225 pounds, but he is a sure-tackler with the first step quickness and natural instincts needed for the position. For David, it's not a question about "ability", but rather a question of "where does he fit?" - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/26/12 - Janoris Jenkins, Sr/2012, North Alabama, 5-10, 191 (DS#3 CB) 2012 SENIOR BOWL THURSDAY: With the NFL evolving into a predominantly passing league, cornerbacks are in high demand and have become one of the premier positions at the next level. With that said, the senior class boasts some intriuging talent at the cornerback position and several of those rising talents can be found on the South squad at the Senior Bowl. North Alabama (and former Florida Gator) cornerback Janoris Jenkins has put to rest any debate as to who is the most talented senior cornerback in this year's group with his performance in practice this week. He is a fluid athlete with very light feet and swivel hips to turn and run downfield, but also shows the closing burst and physical nature to attack what's in front of him. At practice on Wednesday, Jenkins showed impeccable timing and explosion to plant, drive and blow up the play, knocking the ball and North Carolina receiver Dwight Jones to the ground in one of the drills. At times his lack of size and length will show in man coverage (only 5-93/4" tall), but he has a natural feel for the position that NFL teams covet. Now obviously there are several off-field questions regarding Jenkins as a prospect, which will ultimately affect his draft stock. However based on pure talent and football ability, Jenkins is a top-10 prospect and should be the top senior cornerback off the board. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
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