Senior Bowl Practice Footage: February 1, 2022
The 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl is just two days away as college football’s top recent graduates compete to impress NFL teams in practice all week.
Tennessee has three players in the event, as Cade Mays, Velus Jones Jr. and Alontae Taylor are all earned invites.
While the trio were college teammates, it hasn’t kept them from going after each other hard in practice. Jones and Taylor matched up with each other in drills this week with the receiver besting the defensive back.
Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. (@VelusJr) with a tough snag in the end zone 💪 👀#FrontOffice33 | #SeniorBowl | #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/rliYMXaosV
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) February 3, 2022
While Taylor got the raw end of the rep, the long cornerback has impressed this week in Mobile. The Tennessee native’s playing speed and instincts caught the eye of the Senior Bowl’s Executive Director.
Today’s “Who Cares About the 40?” goes to Tennessee DB Alontae Taylor. @taeetaylor clocked fastest field speed at Reese’s Senior Bowl today per @ZebraTechnology—21.12 mph💨 #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️#BestoftheBest pic.twitter.com/C7q6oxx1jY
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 2, 2022
All three of the former Vols had their strongest collegiate season under the leadership of Josh Heupel.
Making the full time move to offensive tackle, Mays radically improved his pass protection, giving up just one sack and grading out as Tennessee’s top starting offensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus.
After never tallying 300 yards in a single season, Jones was a dynamic playmaker on the 2021 Vols. The USC transfer totaled 807 yards and seven touchdowns and returning to his hometown made playing in the Senior Bowl special.
A four year starter corner, Taylor made major strides in his final collegiate season. The Volunteer State prospect totaled eight pass break ups, two interceptions and 60 tackles — all career highs — while busting out an elite touchdown celebration.
None of the three are projected to be first round draft picks though all could hear their name during the NFL Draft.
Heupel and a handful of other Tennessee coaches stopped by practice to support the former Vols this week.
Loved getting to see these men take their next step in the process! Go ball! #GBO #VFL pic.twitter.com/hsds7k3yuQ
— Josh Heupel (@coachjoshheupel) February 2, 2022
