SB Nation Seattle - 2011 Senior Bowl: Jake Locker Pulls It Together; South Beats North, 24-10https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2011-01-31T11:29:13-08:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/17178312011-01-31T11:29:13-08:002011-01-31T11:29:13-08:002011 Senior Bowl: Jake Locker Gets Mixed Reviews, Still Has Plenty Of Questions
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<p>It’s been impossible to figure out whether or not <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl last week. Throughout the week, reviews of Locker’s performance varied from day-to-day, with analysts unable to form a consensus opinion. His 60 percent completion rate on Saturday was solid, but analysts still found a way to pick it apart, noting he was sailing passes and still struggling with footwork.</p>
<p>Over at <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/senior-bowl-stock-rise-and-fall-012911" target="new">Fox Sports</a>, Locker didn’t get a great review. His mechanics appeared to be an issue, contributing to his inaccuracy in practice throughout the week.</p>
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<p>If you were in attendance and watching him during the practice sessions this week, you probably gasped at his inaccuracy. Locker rarely threw two accurate passes in a row, a sure sign that he has problems with his mechanics. Locker seemed to turn his right hand a bit during his release which could be part of the problem. His poor performance during the Senior Bowl game didn’t help his cause, either.</p>
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<p>Doug Farrar, <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Senior-Bowl-South-team-wins-Ponder-finally-set?urn=nfl-314184" target="new">reviewing the Senior Bowl for Yahoo!</a>, noted Locker’s inaccuracy, but also praised his recovery in Saturday’s game.</p>
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<p>For the other quarterbacks, the results were far more mixed. Locker, who came to Alabama as the event’s marquee star, struggled with accuracy and mechanics early on, recovered to have a better second half, and went six of 10 for 98 yards in the game.</p>
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<p>While Locker didn’t appear to answer any questions about his abilities in Alabama, it’s unclear whether he hurt his draft stock or not. He does, however, have outstanding character and a great work ethic that could justify the risk of taking him in the early to mid first round of the draft.</p>
<p>For more on the Senior Bowl, check out the rest of<a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock" target="new"> our StoryStream</a>.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/31/1966330/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-reviews-nfl-draftBrian Floyd2011-01-29T19:10:41-08:002011-01-29T19:10:41-08:002011 Senior Bowl: Mason Foster Leads All Tacklers, Boosts Draft Stock
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<p>By all accounts, Washington linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38735/mason-foster">Mason Foster</a> <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/26/1957939/2011-senior-bowl-mason-foster-2011-nfl-draft-stock-update" target="new">had himself a great week</a> at the Senior Bowl. Foster was consistent in practice throughout the week, showing off exceptional speed, agility and strength from his linebacker position. He excelled in <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1954234/2011-senior-bowl-practices-mason-foster-nfl-draft" target="new">coverage drills and was a strong tackler</a>, something that was on full-display during the game on Saturday.</p>
<p>Foster was a tackling machine while at Washington, recording an eye-popping 162 tackles in 2010. His nose for the ball continued at the Senior Bowl, where he recorded eight tackles, leading all players. Five of those eight tackles were solo, as well, showing he can make the open-field tackles that are so crucial at the next level.</p>
<p>Scouts and analysts were singing Foster’s praises throughout the week at the Senior Bowl. His consistency, and strong performances under the watchful eyes of <span class="caps">NFL</span> teams, boosted his draft stock and has him firmly in the front-half of the draft. By Saturday, many were calling Foster a second- or third-rounder and even that may be on the low-side.</p>
<p>Though many players failed to impress or show consistency, Foster was a clear winner this week in Alabama. Expect his stock to continue to rise with the combine and individual workouts still ahead. If you’ve watched him during his time with the Huskies, this should come as no surprise.</p>
<p>For the all the coverage from this week, check out our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock" target="new">Senior Bowl</a> StoryStream.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963824/2011-senior-bowl-mason-foster-stats-nfl-draft-prospect-stockBrian Floyd2011-01-29T16:23:59-08:002011-01-29T16:23:59-08:00Senior Bowl 2011: Draft Stock Winners And Losers
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<p>Which <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft prospects separated themselves at the Senior Bowl, for better or for worse? At the game itself, there were a few clear winners on each side of the ball as prospects stood out and put together strong performances. On the whole, the week’s worth of practices and the game itself gave players a chance to booster their draft stock and answer some questions in front of scouts from every <span class="caps">NFL</span> team. The stakes, as you can imagine, were high.</p>
<p>Here are a few of the players that both won and lost this week in Alabama.</p>
<p><strong>Winners</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/4827/christian-ponder" class="sbn-auto-link">Christian Ponder</a>, quarterback from Florida State</strong>: Easily the best quarterback in the game, Ponder looked comfortable in the pocket and made some nice throws for the South. He finished as the most productive quarterback, completing passes for yards and two touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named the most valuable player.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37943/von-miller" class="sbn-auto-link">Von Miller</a>, linebacker from Texas A&M</strong>: Miller was a beast during the game, flying around and making plays. His speed in pursuit was on display more than once as he hauled down quick running backs from behind and made plays in the open field.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9116/cameron-jordan" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Jordan</a>, defensive lineman from Cal</strong>: Jordan had what was likely the best week of practice of any player in Alabama, looking unstoppable at times. How good was he? The coaches had to tell him to tone it down during drills after his dominant performances early in practice. Jordan will likely find himself in the top-15 come April</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5213/leonard-hankerson" class="sbn-auto-link">Leonard Hankerson</a>, wide receiver from Miami</strong>: Hankerson had a huge game in the Senior Bowl, leading all receivers with 99 yards and a touchdown on five catches. His routes were crisp, his hands were solid and he boosted his draft stock with his performance in Alabama.</p>
<p><strong>Losers</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Locker</a>, quarterback from Washington</strong>: Locker had a chance to begin to put some of the questions about his accuracy and passing to rest, but disappointed. He showed improved, but was inconsistent for much of the week. On Saturday, he completed 6-10 passes for 98 yards, but struggled with high throws and fumbled twice. He’s only a loser here because of that inconsistency.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37438/stephen-paea" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephen Paea</a>, defensive lineman from Oregon State</strong>: Paea is here not because of his performance, but because of the unfortunate incident that occurred early in the week. Paea <a target="new" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/1/26/1957632/2011-nfl-mock-draft-stephen-paea-injury-torn-meniscus-senior-bowl">tore his meniscus in drills early in the week and was forced to leave early</a>. As with any injury ahead of the draft, it has the potential to harm his draft stock and, perhaps, drop him out of the first round.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14842/colin-kaepernick" class="sbn-auto-link">Colin Kaepernick</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/6695/ricky-stanzi" class="sbn-auto-link">Ricky Stanzi</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/12996/andy-dalton" class="sbn-auto-link">Andy Dalton</a></strong>: The quarterbacks struggled all week and none of these three stood out in the game itself. All three had plenty to prove coming into the week, but all three battled inconsistency and struggled all week. Analysts are projecting all three as mid- to late-round picks that will need some development time at the <span class="caps">NFL</span>-level.</p>
<p>The South was the big winner as they took home the Senior Bowl title this year. Behind Ponder’s two touchdowns, the South jumped out to an early lead and held on down the stretch as the North came back, securing a 24-10 win. Hankerson and Kerley each caught touchdowns and running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/6380/noel-devine" class="sbn-auto-link">Noel Devine</a> took one in on the ground for the South.</p>
<p>For the rest of our coverage from the game, check out our <a target="new" href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock">Senior Bowl</a> StoryStream.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963631/senior-bowl-2011-nfl-draft-prospects-winners-losers-christian-ponder-jake-locker-von-millerBrian Floyd2011-01-29T16:00:03-08:002011-01-29T16:00:03-08:00Senior Bowl 2011: Christian Ponder Seals Game With Beautiful Touchdown Pass
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/4827/christian-ponder">Christian Ponder</a> has been having a great game at the Senior Bowl in Alabama, opening some eyes as he carves up the North defense. Ponder has easily been the best quarterback in the game, completing 7-13 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Not only does he have the most yardage through the air, but he’s the only quarterback with a passing touchdown thus far.</p>
<p>Hanging onto a seven-point lead, the South needed a touchdown to seal the game and Ponder delivered. On third and five, Ponder pumped once, then hit <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/13075/jeremy-kerley">Jeremy Kerley</a> down the seam for 23 yards and the touchdown. The throw and catch were the play of the day thus far, and left the analysts drooling over Ponder’s ability. The play capped a six play, 68 yard drive for the South, putting them back up 14 points.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> is back in the game looking to narrow the gap in the waning moments of the Senior Bowl. With 2:30 to go, the South leads the North by 14, 24-10. For the latest from the game, check out our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock" target="new">Senior Bowl</a> StoryStream.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963598/senior-bowl-2011-christian-ponder-fourth-quarter-touchdown-scoreBrian Floyd2011-01-29T15:48:34-08:002011-01-29T15:48:34-08:00Senior Bowl 2011: Christian Ponder Takes Over After Greg McElroy, Andy Dalton Injuries
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<p>The South team is almost out of quarterbacks in the Senior Bowl after <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9848/greg-mcelroy">Greg McElroy</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/12996/andy-dalton">Andy Dalton</a> both went down due to injury. With no other quarterbacks remaining for the South, it’s down to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/4827/christian-ponder">Christian Ponder</a>, who will take all the reps for the remainder of the game as the South tries to hold off the hard charging North. McElroy injured his hand after connecting with a helmet in the second half while Dalton left after being sacked in the third quarter.</p>
<p>The North had a chance to cut the South lead to four, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9431/kai-forbath">Kai Forbath</a> pull-hooked his 44-yard field goal, squandering a golden opportunity. Even with the miss, the North easily has all the momentum in the Senior Bowl, coming out of the half firing and never letting up. After the South dominated the first half, holding the North to just 18 yards of total offense, the North has scored 10 unanswered points in the second to make it a one-score game.</p>
<p>With five minutes to go can the North find the end zone again to knot the game up? We’ll keep you updated as the Senior Bowl comes to a close in Alabama. You can catch all the action on <span class="caps">NFL</span> Network, or follow <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock" target="new">our StoryStream</a> for live updates and stats.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963584/senior-bowl-2011-christian-ponder-quarterback-greg-mcelroy-andy-dalton-injuryBrian Floyd2011-01-29T15:34:48-08:002011-01-29T15:34:48-08:002011 Senior Bowl: Jake Locker Worried About Footwork Ahead Of 2011 NFL Draft
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<p>After the <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963559/2011-senior-bowl-score-jake-locker-stats-touchdown" target="new">North found the end zone for the first time all day</a>, Washington quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> stepped in front of the microphone on the sideline for an interview with the <span class="caps">NFL</span> Network. Locker said he loved the experience he’s had at the Senior Bowl while admitting there are parts of his game that need work ahead of the <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft. His accuracy continues to be hit-and-miss, just as it was all season, something that has scouts wary.</p>
<p>Locker says the biggest problem is his lack of experience working out of the pocket after running a spread-option offense for much of his playing career.</p>
<p>“It’s not been very many years that I’ve been in the pocket making passing in there,” Locker said. “With repetition it’ll only get better”</p>
<p>Working from the pocket, a quarterback’s balance and footwork become crucial to his accuracy. It’s something Locker is well aware of and has been the focal point of his preparation for the draft. In workouts ahead of the draft, Locker has been working sliding around the pocket and staying balanced as he works to improve his accuracy and ability to make all the necessary throws.</p>
<p>“I think not just taking straight drops and throwing, moving in the pocket, simulating a rush and sidestepping guys to throw,” he said. “When you have the opportunity to do some team stuff work on the footwork.”</p>
<p>Locker is 3-5 for 51 yards in the Senior Bowl, playing in the first and part of the third quarters in Alabama. The South still leads the North, 17-10, in the fourth quarter. For more on the game, check out our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock" target="new">Senior Bowl</a> StoryStream.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963574/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-interview-stats-2011-nfl-draft-prospectBrian Floyd2011-01-29T15:22:11-08:002011-01-29T15:22:11-08:002011 Senior Bowl: Jake Locker Heats Up, Leads North To A Touchdown
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> got another shot at the quarterback spot for the North and finally got into a rhythm as the North offense began to move again. Locker hit <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15351/titus-young">Titus Young</a> for 15 yards on the second play of the drive then hit Da’Rel Scott for 34 a few plays later on a checkdown. He nearly turned the ball over on the next play, however, coughing it up on a scramble, his second fumble of the game.</p>
<p>Locker threw a great ball to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15435/austin-pettis">Austin Pettis</a> in the end zone, leaving the cornerback no choice but to interfere on the play. With first and goal from the one, the North converted as Scott punched it in. Locker was 2-3 on the drive for 49 yards, with the only incompletion coming when Young was called for offensive pass interference.</p>
<p>The North is back in the ballgame after an anemic first half, finally finding a spark on offense. At the end of the third quarter, the South still leads the North, 17-10. For more on the game, check out our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock" target="new">Senior Bowl</a> StoryStream.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963559/2011-senior-bowl-score-jake-locker-stats-touchdownBrian Floyd2011-01-29T15:07:40-08:002011-01-29T15:07:40-08:002011 Senior Bowl: Colin Kaepernick Strings A Drive Together Ending In Kai Forbath Field Goal
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<p>The North is finally on the board in the third quarter of the Senior Bowl. After finishing the first half with just 18 yards of total offense, the North kicked into gear to start the second half. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14842/colin-kaepernick">Colin Kaepernick</a> took over at quarterback for the North squad and got things going, showing off his strong arm on the scoring drive.</p>
<p>The drive was set up by great field position after the defense held the South offense in check, forcing a punt from deep in its own territory. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15481/dwayne-harris">Dwayne Harris</a> broke off a nice 20-yard punt return and Kaepernick took over at the South 27. After driving down to the 10, a holding call sent the North backwards and put them into a hole they couldn’t dig out of as they failed to converting on third and goal from the 14, though Kaepernick did break a nice scramble.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9431/kai-forbath">Kai Forbath</a> was perfect from 24 yards out as the North narrowed the gap to 17-3 with five minutes to go in the third. Keep an eye on our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/24/1953790/2011-senior-bowl-jake-locker-weigh-in-workouts-nfl-draft-stock" target="new">Senior Bowl</a> StoryStream for more updates as the game progresses.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2011/1/29/1963538/2011-senior-bowl-colin-kaepernick-kai-forbath-field-goalBrian Floyd