MOBILE, Ala. — This week saw some of the most talented college football prospects in the country gathered in Mobile, Alabama, to partake in the Panini Senior Bowl. Defense was the story of the game today, but some players were able to make a difference on offense all throughout the week of practice. Your scouts from Talk of Troy took note of some of the biggest “risers” who boosted their draft stock from this week’s practices and the game.
Offense
J’Mari Taylor (RB, Virginia): Taylor continued building upon the reputation of his incredible 1300+ scrimmage yard season at the Senior Bowl today and throughout exercises this week. His campaign in Virginia awarded him the coveted ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) Offensive Player of the Year Award, and he looked every bit of that title, averaging 13.7 yards per carry during the game today. At Virginia, he had a nose for the endzone with 15 scores, and while he was held scoreless today, he showed his excellent contact balance and awareness with each rep he was given.
Kaelon Black (RB, Indiana): One of the big reasons that Indiana won their first-ever national title this season was because of their ability to run down opposing defenses’ throats and take pressure off of Fernando Mendoza.
Black was a major reason it was possible. While he’s established his physical downhill running ability, today and in practice, he showcased the speed of an NFL back. He was able to lead the American Team in rushing with 45 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He even added two receptions to his total, those two being every time he was targeted. Black showed today that he has the potential to be a true every-down back.
Gennings Dunker (OT, Iowa): Throughout Iowa’s roller coaster of a season, there was an exceptional amount of stability from the offensive line, led by tackle Gennings Dunker. In the game today, it looked like he was imposing his will on the NFL talent lined up against him, even through a rough day for the National Team’s offensive line unit as a whole. During one-on-ones this week, he dominated some of the most premier pass rushers available in this year’s draft class. Iowa has a history of producing great offensive linemen, and it seems the next is Dunker.
Defense
Nadame Tucker (EDGE, Western Michigan): It was no surprise that the MAC’s Defensive Player of the year lit up the statsheet today, but a lot of others just received a forceful introduction to all that is Nadame Tucker. During practice this week, he was a heat-seeking missile to opposing quarterbacks at almost every rep he was given. In today’s game, he totalled two sacks, three tackles-for-loss, and even a forced fumble when his team needed it most. His production speaks for itself, and he’s shone brightest in the biggest moments.
Ephesians Prysock (CB, Washington): Prysock led his team in passes defended at Washington this season, and continued that trend, producing two pass break-ups during today’s game. Today, he looked sticky and physical, never losing his receiver and making/assisting in tackles. He was all over the field and had some of the best coverage that there was in today’s defensive bout.
Quintayvious Hutchins (EDGE, Boston College): While many were focused on the non-stop rushing attack that the American Team established as the reason they won today, others could argue that the reason was Hutchins’ defensive playmaking. He led the American team in total tackles, produced three tackles-for-loss, and even had a sack on a big second down. He’s big, physical, and would be the first person to stuff the run whenever the National Team would try any kind of rushing concept.