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Thank you all for tuning into today's coverage of the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl!
The National Team defense forced four turnovers en route to a 16-7 victory over the American Team in Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl. New York Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was the winning coach after playing in this game during his own career.
South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler was awarded with MVP award after throwing a touchdown to Georgia wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint on the game's opening drive. He finished having completed all four of his passes for 65 yards and the touchdown.
Below are five other players who punctuated a great week of practice with a strong showing in Saturday's game:
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Fiske finished with four tackles and 0.5 sacks, as well as 1.5 tackles for a loss. He was also a part of a Reese's Senior Bowl first, as he was asked to switch teams Saturday morning due to roster attrition. The National Team was down to three defensive linemen, so Fiske swapped teams after practicing all week with the American squad.
Emani Bailey, RB, TCU
Bailey had the first five touches of the game for the American Team. He had some rather large gaps to run through, but he showed burst and an ability to break defenders down in space. His presence was also felt in the pass game where he was given additional opportunities to make plays in space.
Aside from his contributions on offense, Bailey was making plays through the final whistle. On an 84-yard interception return, the TCU running back tracked down Washington State defensive back Chau Smith-Wade at the 1-yard line.
Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
It was a big fourth period for Smith-Wade as he secured not one, but two interceptions. The first was nearly returned for a touchdown. It came at an opportunistic time because, after recording three total interceptions in 2021 and 2022, the Denver native had zero in his fourth and final season with the Cougars. He also showed awareness getting up to return the interception after initially taking it to the ground.
Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky
Wallace made multiple stops in the backfield Saturday. He showed a diverse skillset shooting gaps, dropping in coverage and standing up rushers. At 6-foot-1, 244 pounds, Wallace led all American Team linebackers this week by running 19.42 miles per hour, according to Zebra Sports. Wallace is one of a handful of true juniors to appear in this game; the first year of eligibility for juniors at the Reese's Senior Bowl.
North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray is another who stood out at the position.
Marcus Harris, EDGE, Auburn
The Kansas transfer registered seven sacks this season, which is more than his prior four seasons combined. His reign of terror continued Saturday, as he spent as much time in the American Team's backfield as their own running backs. It can be difficult to manufacture energy in an all-star game setting, but Harris brought enough to share with the class.
What's next?
NFL personnel flooded the city of Mobile, Alabama, this week for a glimpse of the prospects jockeying to hear their names called in April's NFL Draft. It is an opportunity for decision makers to interview and size these players up in person. What is next? The NFL Scouting Combine will take place in Indianapolis yet again later this month and into March. Each player will then have the opportunity to take part in a Pro Day at their respective schools while NFL teams conduct 30 prospect visits and interviews.
The 2024 NFL Draft will begin April 25 in Detroit.
