Much of what occurs down here during NFL-coached practice sessions will influence a prospect's draft status and, therefore, his bonus monies. Contracts in the league are not guaranteed, so one's most significant leverage often accompanies one's initial contract, which helps explain the occassional holdout of a highly-drafted athlete.
That all being said, it is understandable a sizeable degree of pressure to perform exists on the Ladd-Peebles Stadium turf for the assembled collegiate stars invited to participate this week. Some are making themselves richer through their play; others are costing themselves money.
For example, the Northern receiving squad is a formidable group in which the contrast between the risers and the fallers is possibly most pronounced. Cal's Lavelle Hawkins put on a show this morning and just may emerge as integral to Saturday's game plan, with his underneath crossing skills complementing his deep-threat speed and after-the-catch excitement. On the other hand, Purdue's storied Dorian Bryant---the first to ever lead the Big Ten in receiving three straight years and a dynamic kick returner, as well---may be experiencing as profound a decline as any individual shivering in unseasonably-chilly Mobile.
Bryant lacks a physical dimension to his game. He is slightly-built, almost frail-thin (5-10 169), a body-catcher and likely to be exposed by aggressive coverages, as is being hinted at thusfar. Whereas Hawkins (5-11 186) and Kansas State's Jordy Nelson (a Dave Logan-approximate at 6-2 216) are distinguishing themselves as reliable and dangerous, the more celebrated duo of Bryant and Oklahoma State's Adarius Bowman may be slipping in stature.
It is for developments like these the Senior Bowl practices are so worthwhile to talent evaluators.
Bowman has improved since a rough first day, possibly attributable to unfamiliarity with his various passers. He is a big target (6-3 225) with an impressive reach and a willingness to tussle for possession. Yet it appears as if the North's primary weaponry this weekend may end up being Cal Bear teammates Hawkins and scatback Justin Forsett, a jitterbug-type (5-7 190) with extreme burst and quickness. Both are elusive and explosive, and seem to be making money for themselves in South Alabama.
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Perhaps the weakest unit on the North squad---and possibly in the game in general---is at LB. It was not stellar to begin with, but has since been aggravated by the injury losses of UNLV's Beau Bell and Miami's Tavares Gooden. There are some sideline-to-sideline chasers and a few one-dimensional types, but a good-sized run-stuffer with interior presence is totally absent. Then again, the game has evolved into one placing greater emphasis on coverage and movement.
Nonetheless, the North seems to be completely without a prototypical MLB, though Penn State's Dan Conner (6-3 230) will man the spot. Georgia Tech's Philip Wheeler, who has outgrown the safety position and is now up to a chiseled 245 on his 6-2 frame, will fill the role on the South squad.
Early assessments say the South has the more balanced and gifted front seven by quite a margin, particularly with the North also having had to subtract UNC DT Kentwan Balmer.
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Presumably to better balance the teams at specific positions, geographic license has been exercised for the contest. For example, Pitt (OG Mike McGlynn) and Bowling Green (center Kory Lichtensteiger) are represented on the South squad, while all North Carolina collegians play for the North.
Not only are Oklahoma (South) and Oklahoma State (North) athletes on separate squads, but so are neighboring states Kentucky and West Virginia. The Wildcats play for the South, but the Mountaineers are joined by Va Tech---and all the western schools, including Arizona State and New Mexico---on the North. Doubtlessly Kentucky's inclusion in the SEC dictates where they are concerned.
McGlynn and Lichtensteiger (a name I am going to try not to have to type again today) are Ohio natives, by the way, hailing from Austintown and Van Wert, respectively. The latter was All-MAC four straight years, in fact.
Austintown's team is Fitch, of course, but why do I suspect Van Wert's mascot is a Twerp?
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