After a grueling week of weigh-ins, interviews, rain, practices and a trip to a children’s hospital, the players at the Reese’s Senior Bowl finally got to put their talents on display. The North ended up victors by a score of 34-24. Below are a list of players who helped to improve their draft stock.
Duke QB Daniel Jones
Jones gave Jon Gruden’s squad a spark after a underwhelming first half. Jones began the third quarter at quarterback and led the North on a 10-play, 84-yard scoring drive capped off by a two-yard TD run by Jones on a keeper. For the game Jones finished 8-for-11 for 115 yards and earned Senior Bowl MVP honors.
.@DukeFOOTBALL's Daniel Jones makes it look easy on the TD! 💯
📺: @seniorbowl only on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/KZ93fQzvVL
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 26, 2019
Memphis RB Tony Pollard
Pollard led all rushers on the afternoon with eight carries for 60 yards and a touchdown, providing a spark for his team and helping improve his draft stock. Pollard showed toughness running inside and a nice burst to bounce it outside.
Texas DE Omenihu
Omenihu had a third quarter strip/sack that was recovered by the North team who later turned into a touchdown to take the lead. Omenihu had a dominant week of practices and proved he was as good as advertised with three tackles, two for loss, a sack and forced fumble.
UMass WR Isabella
After a so-so week of practice, Isabella performed well in the actual game including a third quarter touchdown reception to give the North a 17-12 lead. Isabella is small (5-10, 195) but played much bigger, finishing with seven receptions for 74 yards and a score.
Western Illinois DT Khalen Saunders
Saunders, who welcomed the birth of hi first child while in Mobile this week had an inspired first quarter, notching the first sack of the game taking down Drew Lock. Saunders finished with three tackles including his sack.
Buffalo QB Tyree Jackson
Jackson came in cold off the bench to start the fourth quarter and led the South on a touchdown drive connecting twice with West Virginia receiver Gary Jennings, including a 54-yard bomb. Jackson isn’t polished and struggles sometimes with the mechanics, but has a cannon for an arm and is difficult to bring down. Jackson finished the game 13-of-21 for 165 yards with tow touchdowns and one interception.
From wayyy downtown! @UBFootball's Tyree Jackson with DEEP pass to @WVUfootball's @_gman12 🔥🔥🔥
📺: @seniorbowl only on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/zfkJXf4Tp0
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 26, 2019
Kansas State T Dalton Risner
Risner didn’t have a particularly great week of practice during the week but turned things around on Saturday. He was solid in run blocking but really excelled against the pass rush, playing smooth and with good technique. Some have him slated to move inside at the next level but on Saturday showed he can hold his own at tackle.
North Carolina State QB Ryan Finley
Finely came in midway through the third quarter and led the North to a field goal and later in the fourth quarter he led his team on a touchdown drive to answer the South squad who had got back into the game on their previous drive. Finley also led the North to another touchdown drive in the game, finishing 7-for-11 and 83 yards.
Deleware CB Nasir Adderley
Adderley has a second half interception of Tyree Jackson that his team ended up converting into a touchdown. Adderley was impressive all week and showed despite not playing at a big school, he belonged on the field with those who came from more recognizable programs. Along with the interception, Adderley had five tackles.