In a contest that brings some of the best NFL draft prospects together, the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl is not just another game and watching the players on the practice field this week, one could feel the electricity in the air. As the North and South squads ran one-on-one and 11-on-11 drills, one could almost feel the how the players felt regarding the magnitude of their situation. This game, for these young football players, is not just an All-Star game.
Obviously, staying healthy during the contest is important to the players but thoughts of this apparently don’t diminish the importance of being watched by NFL scouts and coaches; and the national media.
Much is learned on the field, to be sure. But some of the most important things these players will take in will be learnedoff the field. Having asked South team defensive lineman Montravius Adams what he has picked up from the NFL coaches, one adjective came to his mind: punctual.
“Making sure you are everywhere,” the Auburn Tiger said Thursday after practice. “I don’t want to say on time but early. Do everything the right way, keeping the main thing the main thing. Just make sure you keep improving and giving good work every day.”
Setting aside distractions of a busy week to focus their craft is something of grave importance to these young players. The NFL is the well-documented, “What have you done for me lately?” league. Any player who thinks he can get by on yesterday’s work will find themselves quickly replaced.
Saturday, Jan. 28 is the day when, for the North and South Team Senior Bowl players, it will be ‘all-the-way’ live. Perhaps one of the most important games they have played in their football careers, they will put all their talents on display and jockey for their positions in the 2017 NFL Draft.