Every year at the Senior Bowl, players emerge and dominate the news cycle. Last year it was Tim Tebow participating and Dexter McCluster looking like a legitimate weapon. The Senior Bowl also gave the first glimpse at what Jacksonville fell in love with in Tyson Alualu.
2011 Senior Bowl preview: Five stories to watch
So this year, we’re tipping you off to some shorelines to follow. Of course, expect others to come to the forefront. So here are five to keep in mind for now:
What will happen with the offensive tackles?
There are a lot of good offensive tackles in this game. They include Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi, Boston College's Anthony Castonzo, Colorado's Nate Solder and Mississippi State's Derek Sherrod. Each could make a claim as being the top offensive tackle in this year's class. So if one position gets competitive, it could be offensive tackle.
Which middle linebacker distinguishes himself?
They're on different rosters, but NFL scouts will watch North Carolina State's Nate Irving and Michigan State's Greg Jones with equal interest. It's likely the two players carry a similar grade, so one could distinguish himself this week.
Small schools in spotlight
It seems like every year a small school player shines in the Senior Bowl. Last year it was Massachusetts’ Vladimire Ducasse and Murray State’s Austen Lane. In 2009, it was Liberty’s
. This year, it could be Abilene Christian wide receiver Edmond Gates or Slippery Rock center Brandon Fusco.
Outside linebacker play
There are two very good and intelligent outside linebackers in this game in Washington’s
and Boston College’s
. Foster is better rushing the passer and Herzlich is better dropping in coverage. Both could secure a second-round spot if they showcase good all-around play.
Phil Taylor, large, large man
Baylor’s Phil Taylor is arguably the best pure nose tackle in this year’s class. At the Senior Bowl last year, Alabama’s
showed he has good foot quickness. It helped get Cody picked in the second round by Baltimore. Will Taylor be able to do the same?
Where is
, you ask? Well he’s a post all for himself in the morning.
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