The 2012 Senior Bowl represents the culmination of a strong collegiate career for most players, and is the last chance to impress NFL scouts and talent evaluators in a game scenario. Although there are 65 talented underclassmen in the 2012 NFL Draft class who cannot be a part of the event, plenty of NFL-caliber talent will be on the field. Unlike other all-star games that feature lax play and lack competitiveness, this game is truly intense because each player is desperately fighting for their professional lives on the field.
The North roster is coached by the Minnesota Vikings' staff, and includes smallish quarterback prospects like Wisconsin Badgers QB Russell Wilson, Michigan St. Spartans QB Kirk Cousins, and Boise St. Broncos QB Kellen Moore. All three hope to prove they can overcome their size limitations with good decision-making and excellent movement in the pocket to find throwing lanes or avoid oncoming rushers. Play-makers like Iowa Hawkeyes WR Marvin McNutt, and Boise St. Broncos RB Doug Martin will be looking to make their mark on the game as well. The defensive unit is anchored by a strong secondary, and in a pass-dominated NFL scouts will be closely watching the coverage and tackling skills of Oklahoma Sooners CB Jamell Fleming, Iowa St. Cyclones CB Leonard Johnson, Coastal Carolina CB Josh Norman, Boise St. Broncos S George Iloka and Notre Dame Fighting Irish S Harrison Smith.
The South roster is coached by the Washington Redskins' staff and features top defensive pass rushing prospects like North Carolina Tar Heels DE Quinton Coples and Alabama Crimson Tide DE Courtney Upshaw. On offense, quarterbacks like Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, Arizona's Nick Foles and San Diego State's Ryan Lindley will all be trying to show that can run a pro-style offense and make NFL throws with accuracy.
Here is some basic information to help you find the game on Saturday afternoon:
Game time/date: 4:00 p.m. CST, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012
Location: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.
TV: NFL Network
For more on the Senior Bowl and complete draft coverage, check out SB Nation's 2012 NFL Draft page and Mocking the Draft.