Senior Bowl Risers And Sliders
MOBILE, Ala. -- The South team finished up three days of hard practice here this afternoon. The session was highlighted by outstanding performances from a number of late arrivals as well as small school prospects.
Click here for Wednesday's report on Notre Dame's Trevor Laws and the rest of the North squad
Heath Benedict/OL/Newberry: Newberry stood out at both the left and right tackle positions this afternoon. He stopped defenders dead in their tracks on almost every snap and drew the applause of coaches a number of times.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie/DB/Tennessee State: Rodgers-Cromartie displayed terrific skill at both safety and cornerback. He easily ran downfield with opponents in man coverage and broke up several passes when used in zone coverage.
Ahtyba Rubin/DT/Iowa State: Rubin filled in for the injured Kentwan Balmer and made the most of his opportunity. He displayed great power in the middle of the field and consistently pushed blockers from the South deep into the backfield.
Dexter Jackson/WR/Appalachian State:Limas Sweed's injury opened the door for Jackson, who wasted no time making his mark. Jackson displayed terrific route-running skills and reliable hands. Early in the day he made an acrobatic 40-yard reception for a touchdown.
Chris Williams/OT/Vanderbilt: Williams looked good at left tackle most of the day and effectively stopped many of the South's top pass rushers. He also played with a nasty disposition, which impressed coaches.
Jacob Tamme/TE/Kentucky: The pass-catching tight end displayed reliable hands and made several difficult receptions in the afternoon. Tamme did an admirable job as a blocker, which was a surprise to many.
Jacob Hester/RB-FB/LSU: Hester lacks the dominant speed yet made up for it with tough, smart play today. He displays terrific running vision and hits the hole with authority. Hester also made several nice receptions in the scrimmage.
Andre Caldwell/WR/Florida: Caldwell was fluid and caught the ball well all day long. He lacks the speed to beat opponents downfield yet found the open seam in the defense all day.
Cody Wallace/C/Texas A&M: Wallace was pushed off the line on several occasions and had trouble holding his ground at the point of attack.
Chevis Jackson/CB/LSU: Jackson has had a tough go of it most of the week. Today he was beaten badly a number of times and had trouble finding the ball in coverage.
Cole Bennett/TE/Auburn: Bennett was not very active in any aspect of practice the past three days.
• Colt Brennan's struggles this week began from day one. During weigh-ins on Monday morning the Hawaii passer tipped the scales at a scrawny 185 pounds. He later said a recent illness caused him to lose a significant amount of weight.
• Quarterback John David Booty can trace his struggles this week to the unfamiliarity with the offensive system he's running at the Senior Bowl. Booty said he's been asked to make a number of NFL-type passes, throws which he never was asked to make at USC.
• For the second day in a row, defensive tackle Red Bryant got into fisticuffs on the field, this time with Vandy's Williams. Scouts noted the laid back and sometimes apathetic Texas A&M prospect may be trying to change his reputation.
