Written By: Roy Countryman @Blitzalytics @PreacherBoyRoy
With Senior Bowl practices ready to kick off on Tuesday the rosters are taking their final shape. There are always a few last minute scratches due to injury or personal choice, and this year has been no different. We have already previewed the offense, defense, and special team players, so now here is the most up to date late scratches and adds to keep an eye on.
Players backing out of Senior Bowl
Jalen Hurd: WR, Baylor (Knee surgery recovery)
Chase Winovich: DE, Michigan (Ankle injury)
Myles Gaskin: RB, Washington (Ankle injury)
Yodny Cajuste: OT, West Virginia
Marvell Tell III: S, USC
Josh Allen: OLB, Kentucky
Christian Miller: OLB, Alabama (Hamstring Injury)
L.J. Scott: RB, Michigan State (Injury)
Clayton Thorson: QB, Northwestern (Injury)
Jalin Moore: RB, Appalachian State (Injury)
Emanuel Hall: WR, Missouri
Chase Hansen: LB, Utah
*Jaylen Smith: WR, Louisville switched from South squad to North.*4
Replacements
Tony Pollard: RB, Memphis (6’0” 208lbs.) (North)
Explosive playmaker especially as a return man. He tied the NCAA record with seven career kick-return touchdowns. Has impressive speed and agility. Is at his best out in space where he can make defenders miss. Also was utilized as a receiving threat and throw a variety of routes as an outlet target, and from out in the slot.
Wes Hills: RB, Slippery Rock (6’2” 218 lbs.) (South)
Big and well proportioned build that he uses to run hard downhill and has an impressive burst through the hole. Has great balance to stay on feet when contacted and has a soft set of hands to catch passes out of the backfield. Runs with good vision and allows his blocks to develop.
Gary Jennings: WR, West Virginia (6’2” 215 lbs.) (South)
Good sized WR who can win his routes with savviness or speed and quickness. Does not have elite deep speed but wins vertical routes with his catch strength and will to do so. Strong and sure hands who will endear himself to his QB on third downs.
Oli Udoh: OT, Elon (6’5” 356 lbs.) (South)
Blessed with ridiculous arm length (35 ¾”) that allows him to lockout and push pass rushers wide of the QB. Shows an ability to shuffle and set with strength, and is good at maintaining his blocks. Had a solid week at the East West Shrine Game.
Daylon Mack: DT, Texas A&M (6’1” 320 lbs.) (North)
Wide bodied DT, who is a former 5-star recruit. Has a nice initial burst to put OL on the balls of their feet, and he has the power to push the pocket back into the QB’s face. Put together a strong week at the East West Shrine Game.
Demarcus Christmas: DT, Florida State (6’4” 305 lbs) (South)
Run clogging IDL, who uses his great strength to two gap and allow his LB’s to make plays cleanly. Physical hands fighter who can stack and shed blocks, but needs to refine his leverage, because he will pop up out of stance and get push off the spot.
Sutton Smith: OLB, Northern Illinois (6’1” 237 lbs.) (North)
Was a pass rushing force in college for the last few years at NIU with 30 sacks and 58.5 career TFL. He is smaller than you would like you pass rushers to be, but man this guy plays with frenetic energy and effort that allows him to get a ton of second effort pressure. He has a nice burst off the ball and great hand usage to disengage from blocks, but will need to take to being a standup 3-4 OLB, because he lacks the bulk and strength to make a difference as a predominant run defender.
Dre Greenlaw: LB, Arkansas (6’0” 229 lbs.) (South)
Rangy weakside LB who has the speed and agility to make plays outside the hashes. Recognizes and reacts quickly and will take solid pursuit angles. Inconsistent finisher who slips off of too many tackles.
Gerri Green: LB, Mississippi State (6’4” 255 lbs.) (South)
At his best as a 3-4 OLB. He wreaked havoc on SEC QB’s the last two years after getting a chance to shift into a more aggressive defense under Todd Grantham. Also has experience as a down rusher. He possesses good length, strength, and quickness but he lacks an elite first step and bend. A good developmental prospect.
Iman Marshall: CB, USC (6’1” 205 lbs.) (North)
Fluid cover CB who can play in a variety of coverage schemes. Sticks to WR’s hip pocket for the duration of the play and has solid backpedal and transition. Physical when asked to press and has a strong jam at the LOS.
Mark Fields: CB, Clemson (5’11” 180 lbs.) (South)
Has had problems staying on the field, whether by injury or suspension. Very physical and aggressive cover CB who has very good deep speed to mirror and match WR. Could find a niche as an aggressive slot corner, but he needs some refinement on his technique.