2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Game Recap

Jan 26

2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Game Recap

The 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl was capped off with a 34-17 win by the North Team. Although the score does not depict the great efforts by both teams, the North team clearly showed their offensive power throughout the game. The highlight of the game was definitely the quarterback play of the North team with 3 touchdown passes coming from their side. Other than one interception by Shea Patterson, the quarterback plays for the North team made a major difference. All in all, the game exhibited a slew of players that were able to improve their stock throughout the week and have standout performances in the game. We will be highlighting the MVP of the game, the offensive and defensive standouts, and the honorable mention performances.

MVP

After 4 quarters, the North team was led by Anthony Gordon with a total of 3 scoring drives and a final stat line of 12 attempts with 8 completions and 2 touchdowns. His ability to sit in the pocket and deliver on-target passes set his game apart from the other North quarterbacks. On one play, Gordon had an immediate rush in his face that forced him to roll to his right and find a covered Gandy-Golden for a 5-yard touchdown in the corner of the endzone. The throw came off as a sidearm, but it was extremely accurate which displayed his versatility as a quarterback to throw under pressure. With a few months left until the NFL Draft, Gordon says his focus will be on “getting stronger” and “gaining weight” for the combine.

South Performers of The Day

On the offensive side of the ball, Justin Herbert came in the game early and led the team to its only touchdown drive of the day, however, he stood out on every pass that he threw and even had some very impressive runs that displayed his overall decision-making ability and his athleticism as well. After going 9/12 on his passes with 83 yards and a touchdown, Herbert definitely solidified himself and is going to be a commodity for all teams looking for a quarterback in this upcoming draft.

For the South defense, the standout would have to be Kindle Vildor with the lone interception for the South team. After 4 quarters, all quarterbacks looked in Vildor’s direction, but few dared to throw his way as he excelled in man to man coverage on nearly every snap. His ability to shadow receivers and deny them space made it extremely difficult for the quarterbacks to find open receivers. On several plays, Vildor even dared quarterbacks to throw his way as he would occasionally jump routes prematurely, causing the quarterbacks to tuck and run.

His interception came on an overthrow by Shea Patterson that he was able to return for nearly 30 yards. With Vildor being from Georgia Southern University, his ability to dominate at the cornerback position, surely helped increase his draft stock this week and all teams vying for a solid number one corner will surely be evaluating Vildor in the next few months.

North Performers of The Day

Beginning with the defensive standout for the North team, Bradlee Anea made his presence felt from the beginning of the game as he had a sack in the first quarter on Justin Herbert. After his first sack, he would not slow down. At the end of the game, he would have 2.5 sacks and several quarterback hurries that helped the South Defense dominate the North team for the majority of the day. The Utah product is a solid defensive end that is very twitchy and nimble on his feet. His hand play seems to be very developed as he was able to shed past the South offensive line the entire game.

As for the North Offense, Joshua Kelley had a silent 105 yards on 15 carries and 7 yards per carry. His longest run of 29 yards displayed his excellent burst out of the backfield and ability to get to the edge. At 5’11’’ and 215 pounds, he is a compact back that surely has the ability to run in between the tackles. The spread offense that he fit into at UCLA should be something that he will be able to fit into in the league as well.

Honorable Mention

Kyle Dugger was by far one of the most versatile players at the Senior Bowl. Not only was he all over the field from his safety spot, but he also showed that he was an athlete by covering punts at nearly 225 pounds. His presence was felt all game as he broke up several passes, had a big tackle to save a touchdown at the end of the first half. It will be interesting to see how Dugger’s stock will rise as we get closer to April.

-By: LeMarkus Bailey