By: Caleb Seaver, Contributing Writer
Photo by Caleb Seaver

MOBILE, Ala. – NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches were at Hancock Whitney Stadium for the week leading up to Feb. 1, the date of the 76th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl, scouting some of the biggest names in college football ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Senior Bowl is similar to a college all-star game. The best players in the country, often seniors, participate in the hopes that their performance will impress NFL general managers and scouts to improve their draft standing. Players practice and show off their skills Tuesday through Thursday, culminating in a full-contact football game on Saturday.

This year, the game started quickly with a trick play thrown by Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel to Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon. The defense quickly became the main story with minimal scoring during the game. A close game throughout ended with the American team defeating the National team 22-19 on a last-second touchdown caught by Texas Christian University wide receiver Jack Bech. 

Bech was named the MVP of the game with 6 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. It was an emotional week for Jack Bech, as he had recently lost his brother in the New Orleans terrorist attack in January. His brother, Tiger Bech, would be honored throughout the week with every player wearing helmet decals with his football number as a way to honor him. 

Several players in the game also had local ties, including South Alabama wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett, who had a great week in practice, but only had one reception for zero yards during the game. Former Fairhope quarterback Riley Leonard, who was more recently quarterback for Notre Dame, had a big game, completing 6 of 7 passes for 54 yards.

In-state schools Alabama and Auburn also featured several players at the Senior Bowl, including Jalen Milroe, CJ Dippre, Jarquez Hunter, Eugene Asante and Tim Smith. Jalen Milroe of Alabama struggled only going 3 for 5 and getting sacked three times, raising concerns about his potential to play in the NFL. Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter did not get any rush attempts but caught 3 receptions for 30 yards. 

“[The Senior Bowl is] a great opportunity to get to come out here and compete with the best of the best,” said Hunter. “I had to show the scouts the skill set that I have and how I improved over the break this year.”

“It’s pretty cool that a lot of Auburn fans came and showed support every practice,” said Hunter. “I mean in the state of Alabama, there are Auburn fans everywhere that show you love and support everywhere you go.”

The players will now look toward the NFL draft in April, where they hope their efforts at the Senior Bowl will pay off and help boost their value headed into the draft.