One of the primary storylines heading into this year’s Senior Bowl was the 2011 quarterback class. After Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, many NFL scouts and analysts felt this QB group dropped off.
But there were some intriguing quarterbacks participating throughout the week. Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson and Boise State’s Kellen Moore both stand under six feet tall, but have excelled in decision-making and accuracy. On the other hand, Brandon Weeden out of Oklahoma State can make all the throws, but is nearing 30 years old.
Nick Foles out of Arizona had the best day for the South, which ended up losing 23-13 to the North, but many of his completions went to former teammate Juron Criner, including a 20-yard touchdown.
Moore and Wilson were up and down. It’s pretty clear, especially for Wilson, that they play their best when they’re outside the pocket and on the move. Wilson was especially hesitant when he had to stay in the pocket to make throws, with one late pass intercepted.
Other offensive stars included Cincinnati running back and Big East Player of the Year Isaiah Pead, who rushed eight times for 31 yards. Pead also had two punt returns for nearly 100 yards, earning him MVP status. Pead weighed in at just 193 pounds this week, so there would obviously be doubts if he could carry the load of a regular NFL back, but he was insanely productive for the Bearcats and really showed his versatility today. He has great acceleration through holes and even showed some toughness at the end of runs. Barring a terrible combine, his stock continues to rise.
Arkansas wide receiver Joe Adams also had a big day, catching 8 passes for 133 yards. This guy was raved about all week during Senior Bowl practices and it showed today. He’s as slippery as soap and should have a lot of value in the return game.
On defense, Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry was all over the place with a pass deflection and a sack. Curry made some postseason All-America teams this past season and always seems to be around the action.
North Carolina was well represented on defense too. Linebacker Zach Brown and defensive end Quinton Coples both had their names called plenty today. Coples’ athleticism was very evident.
Other players with notable performances from today: Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw, South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, Mississippi State running back Vick Ballard, Michigan Stat quarterback Kirk Cousins.