What are the names to know, full roster and stats for the Senior Bowl 2021?
Najee Harris and Kadarius Toney will be in action in the 2021 Senior Bowl as college football's brightest talents look to impress ahead of the NFL draft.
Follow the Senior Bowl live online
The 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl will take place on Saturday 30 January with the hottest prospects in college football looking to make a name for themselves in the prestigious game. The action takes place in the University of South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium, in the town of Mobile, Alabama. (Here's how to watch the Senior Bowl)
The game is a fundraiser for the non-profit organisation Mobile Arts & Sports Association, but also serves as an opportunity for NFL teams to get a look at the latest crop of college football talent. With just three months until this year’s draft here’s who to keep an eye on in the 2021 Senior Bowl.
Senior Bowl stats: “The best showcase of college talent in the nation”
The Senior Bowl has a deserved reputation as a platform for college players with dreams of making it to the NFL and in recent years a huge proportion of the NFL draft have also featured in this prestigious match.
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, who will be leading one of the Senior Bowl teams this year, called the game: “the best showcase of college talent in the nation. We’re really excited to lead and get to know a team of this year’s top draft prospects.”
That is certainly evidenced in recent years as Senior Bowl stars have been drafted soon after appearing in Mobile. In each of the last two seasons the Senior Bowl has contributed 93 total players and 40 selected in the first three rounds. In 2019 there were 10 first-round picks from the game.
It could be more of the same this year with representatives from all 32 NFL teams expected to be in attendance. Here’s the low-down on the hottest prospects ahead of the 2021 Senior Bowl.
Senior Bowl roster: ones to watch
As you would expect for the most prestigious game in college football those involved are the best of the best of the new generation. They use the hashtag - #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE, for a reason. If you want the full list of players on show then check out this roster list, but here’s the experts’ picks to make a splash in the Senior Bowl.
National Team
Najee Harris, Alabama (Running Back) – The Californian is one of the most impressive players involved in Saturday’s game and broke numerous record in Tuscaloosa. He is one of the more physically imposing running backs but still possesses the catching ability to make him a potential first-round pick.
D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan (Wide Receiver) – A fairly unknown name in college football circles, Eskridge has never managed more than 70 receptions in a single season. However his explosive pace and natural body movement make him one for the spectacular and he frequently averages over 20 yards per catch in a good game.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma (Running Back) – A physical running back may be a priority for a few teams this draft and junior college product Stevenson offers plenty of potential. He has good burst of speed and with an imposing stature he takes some stopping once he gets up speed.
American Team
Kadarius Toney, Florida (Wide Receiver) – One of the most promising additions to the AFC team is Mobile native Toney, who has impressed coaches with his progress over the past season. The athleticism and quickness in and out of breaks make him one to watch but it is his smoothness in possession that really sets him apart, and he is one of the favourites to secure a first-round pick.
Aaron Robinson, UCF (Corner Back) – Another who comes into the Senior Bowl with a real chance of making it is Aaron Robinson, who possesses everything needed in a top level corner back. He has the speed, high energy and physical attributes that NFL teams are looking for and has starred in a number of positions during his college career.
Marlon Tuipulotu, USC (Defensive Tackle) – USC’s stalwart defensive lineman Tuipulotu is skipping his final season of college football to enter the draft, and does so after three impressive seasons in California. The former five-star prospect earned a first-team All-Pac-12 honours and his performance against Arizona, contributing eight tackles and one sack, was one of the best by an NFL draft prospect.