In a Senior Bowl that mirrored the 2022 edition, Saturday’s game was more entertaining for those who like to bet the under.
There were more field goals than touchdowns and one of those TDs was a pick-six by Virginia defensive back Anthony Johnson. Fresno State QB Jake Haener claimed the MVP for the National squad but perhaps Maryland kicker Chad Ryland should have been given the honors after sinking four field goals and an extra point in a 27-10 National team victory.
Haener had a shaky start, including missing an open receiver on back-to-back plays early in the first quarter which led to a punt. He finished 12 for 19, tossing 139 yards and a TD. The 6-foot, 200-pound QB was said to have had a solid week in Mobile, and the MVP was the icing on the cake. He still might be a Day 3 pick, but he was the most impressive quarterback on the day.
Haener’s touchdown wasn’t a pretty pass by any means, but Stanford WR Michael Wilson tracked it down for a 44-yard score:
The other National QB, Malik Cunningham, did get injured in the fourth quarter, however, after leading two scoring drives late in the first half.
Clayton Tune started under center for the American team. Tune was in rhythm early and went 5 for 6 on the opening drive, converting a first down on fourth-and-4 that was called back because of illegal hands to the face by one of his offensive linemen. Still, he was behind a solid line that featured five first or second-round guys, which helped him settle in. That was the most efficient drive for the former Houston QB, though, as he finished 9/12 for 70 yards.
One player that had an up-and-down outing was Appalachian State’s Camerun Peoples. The running back had two key opportunities late in the first quarter where it looked like he had a chance to make a couple of moves and score. He dropped both passes from Haener. He responded later in the game with a brute 15-yard rush on his only attempt of the contest. It was arguably the best rush of the game from anyone.
South Alabama receiver Jalen Wayne was one of the few guys making plays on the offensive side of the ball for the American team. Wayne often found soft spots against zone coverage, making himself available and finishing with a game-high eight receptions and a team-high 50 yards. He caught three passes for first downs while playing on his home turf.
Tulane RB Tyjae Spears didn’t have many opportunities to showcase his talent and build on his successful week, and successful season. He finished with just one rushing attempt for two yards and three receptions for 15 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, it was some Group of Five defenders that made the most noise. They mainly came from the winning side.
Typically on the edge, Karl Brooks started the game on the interior and created a ton of havoc. The Bowling Green product picked up a sack late in the second quarter for a 12-yard loss that forced a third-and-long.
Brooks’ Senior Bowl teammate and Central Michigan defensive lineman Thomas Incoom also showed off some of his potential. He was often around the ball — especially in the second half — and picked up a sack late in the game.
Someone who had a couple of question marks entering Saturday was Ivan Pace Jr. There has been some chatter about whether or not the Cincinnati LB was too small and that his short arms would be an issue in the league. Pace Jr. countered that talk with some big-time plays, often taking on much bigger offensive linemen:
Pace Jr. finished with a game-high 10 tackles. There is also some concern about his coverage as the draft nears, but he wasn’t tested very much there and was usually in position when dropping back.
There were plenty of other G5 players that had so-so performances, including Darrell Luter Jr. The South Alabama CB showed solid coverage skills and had a pass breakup, but also got beat a couple of times.
All in all, it was a good showing for many of the smaller school guys and I can imagine they’re as anxious as ever for what’s next. Good thing for them, the draft is just less than three months away.
And it’ll be here before we know it.
