NFL Draft Countdown Senior Bowl '08 - 1/26/08 North Game Report

January 26, 2008 Senior Bowl - North Game Report
Scott Wright President, NFL Draft Countdown

   To many NFL scouts and decision makers the highlight of the Senior Bowl is the week of practices and the game is an afterthought. There is no doubt that performances in the actual game don't carry nearly as much weight as what happens the rest of the week but personally I think it would be a mistake to totally discount what happens on gameday. I want to see who rises to the occasion and stands out amongst his peers, who just happen to be 100 of the finest prospects in the nation. I watched the entire game from the South sideline and while these are only preliminary and I'll obviously have to evaluate the tape further here are my initial thoughts:

   • Southern Cal defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis was dominating as usual, making a tackle for a loss, sacking Andre Woodson for a safety and forcing him into another bad throw on his way to being named the North Defensive MVP.

   • Michigan quarterback Chad Henne looked sharp and displayed great vision, completing 5 of 9 passes for 64 yards and 2 touchdowns. Erik Ainge's stat line might have been more impressive but Henne looked like the best quarterback in this game and all week long.

   • Penn St. linebacker Dan Connor led both teams in tackles with 9, intercepted a Colt Brennan pass and won the Under Armour Prototype Award.

   • California wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins showed everyone why I have been raving about him all week by catching 3 balls for 64 yards and a touchdown.

   • USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson blew by Oniel Cousins for a sack.

   • Notre Dame defensive tackle Trevor Laws had a big night, recording a sack and recovering a fumble en route to be named the game's most outstanding linemen.

   • Northern Iowa offensive guard Chad Rinehart showed some iffy technique, leaving his feet and lunging on one play.

   • USC quarterback John David Booty threw well on the run but other than that didn't look real good. On one play he forced things and threw a terrible interception inside the ten yard line and later he turned the ball over on a fumble.

   • Okie St. running back Dantrell Savage had a nice run on a draw to convert a 3rd and 6.

   • USC cornerback Terrell Thomas broke up a pass intended for Donnie Avery.

   • UCLA's Bruce Davis was very active and made four solo tackles. I continue to be surprised by how well he is doing in his transition to linebacker.

   • The North seemed to run behind Boston College offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus a lot, which was a good call because they had some success on the right side.

   • Nebraska offensive tackle Carl Nicks is stout at the point and did a nice job of absorbing the bull rush of Jeremy Thompson.

   • Following a safety Notre Dame's Tom Zbikowski returned a free kick 38 yards, which ended up being the longest play of the game.

   • Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco only completed two passes but they were both impressive throws and despite his modest stat line he looked pretty good.

   • Notre Dame center John Sullivan got a great goaline push against Marcus Harrison.

   • Oregon St. kicked Alexis Serna missed a 22 yard field goal attempt and didn't look good on his kickoffs either. I just don't know if he is an NFL-caliber kicker.

   • North Dakota State's Mike Dragosavich had a 69 yard punt.

   Sedrick Ellis, Chad Henne and Lavelle Hawkins were all very impressive throughout the week of practices and that carried over to the game. The 2008 Under Armour Senior Bowl might be officially over but NFL Draft Countdown's coverage will continue. Be sure to stop back in the coming days for a Stock Watch with a look at who helped and hurt themselves the most in Mobile as well as an in-depth, position-by-position review of the entire week.

This site is in no way affiliated with the National Football League (NFL) or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
All logos and images depicted herein are the property of their respective teams and may not be reproduced without written consent.
This website is an unofficial and independently operated source of news and information not affiliated with any school or team.